Economic mission: Europe cannot do without Türkiye and Türkiye cannot do without Europe

Led for the first time by Queen Mathilde, the economic mission to Türkiye from 10 to 14 May 2026 yielded 33 business agreements. Key sectors were energy transition, defence, life sciences, ports, and digitalisation. Türkiye is also a strategic partner in geopolitically turbulent times.

The 1838 Treaty of Friendship and Commerce

Belgium and Türkiye have maintained close commercial and diplomatic ties for a remarkable amount of time. This is evidenced by the friendship and commerce treaty concluded in 1838 between the newly formed Belgian kingdom and the Ottoman Empire, followed by the opening of its first diplomatic post in Istanbul in 1839.

By the 1850s, Antwerp and Istanbul were already working closely together for more maritime trade. Belgian companies played a key role in modernising the infrastructure, with Belgian steel mills contributing to Türkiye's railways and Belgian companies having established the very first electricity and tram networks in Istanbul.

After the forming of the Turkish republic, Belgium was among the first nine countries to establish a permanent diplomatic post in Ankara in 1925. Not to mention the migration agreement Belgium concluded with Türkiye in 1964. The Turkish community has made an indispensable contribution to our country ever since.

These close ties also led to a solid economic partnership. This is reflected in things such as significant trade between the two countries and notable Belgian investments in Türkiye (see figure box).

Türkiye is also becoming an increasingly prominent investor in Belgium. Examples include the Ciner glass manufacturer in Lommel and the announcement of a SynPet plastic recycling facility in Antwerp.

Neighbour and friend

Türkiye is also an extremely crucial strategic partner, the importance of which is often still underestimated. For example, it is a bridge from Europe to the Middle East and (Central) Asia, is not far from Belgium, is economically integrated with the EU through a customs union, and is a loyal member of NATO and a candidate for EU membership.

Belgium has also consistently advocated for constructive relations between the EU and Türkiye. Among other things, we call for a modernisation of the Customs Union given that the current framework - dating back to 1995 - is inadequate for the economic realities of 2026.

And, in these geopolitically turbulent times, we certainly need to broaden our alliances. Primarily through nearshoring - cooperation with neighbouring countries - and friendshoring - cooperation with friendly countries.

Türkiye is both a neighbour and a friend. Moreover, the country is growing into an economic power with a stable growth rate of around 5%, despite inflation that is not yet fully under control. Both Belgium and Türkiye have a lot to offer each other in many areas.

Most significant economic visit ever

It was against this backdrop that an economic mission took place from 10 to 14 May 2026. This was led for the first time by Queen Mathilde after Princess Astrid stepped down late last year due to health reasons after 24 successful missions.

The mission yielded extremely positive results, including 33 signed business-to-business agreements, ranging from industrial cooperation relating to defence to Belgian fries sauces and chocolate (see figure box). Türkiye hailed it as the most significant economic visit ever.

The political sphere was also of significant interest. For example, Queen Mathilde and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife. Various other Turkish ministers also appeared, including Vice President Yılmaz and ministers for Trade, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Energy, Transport, and Health.

Queen Mathilde also opened a seminar - organised by the Belgian embassy - on 'Entrepreneurship as a driver for greater female autonomy', jointly with the Turkish Minister for Family and Social Affairs. Because economic development can never be truly sustainable without the full participation of women.

Key sectors

Below is a summary of five key sectors addressed during the mission.

• The transition towards green energy
  
  Türkiye is investing heavily in renewable energy (wind, etc.), nuclear technology, and green hydrogen to become less fossil fuel dependent and meet climate goals. Belgian companies such as DEME and Jan De Nul are global leaders in offshore wind and maritime technology. While a company like Tractebel has know-how in hydropower and energy technologies. Belgian cleantech innovators can assist Türkiye in realising its ambitious plans around green hydrogen and circular energy solutions.
   
• Space and defence industry
  
  Türkiye's growing defence industry manufactures almost all its military equipment domestically, from frigates and satellites to tanks. Belgian companies such as FN Herstal, John Cockerill Defense, and Thales Belgium can supplement this by supplying small arms, gun turrets, cyber defence, and avionics.
  
  The delegation visited the impressive BMC and FNSS factories in Ankara, where Türkiye manufactures tanks and armoured vehicles.
  
  Belgium's strong integration within NATO and EU defence frameworks makes it an ideal partner for joint ventures. In addition, Belgian aerospace clusters can support Türkiye's national space programme and satellite projects.
   
• Ports, logistics, and transport
  
  Türkiye wants to be among the 10 largest logistics economies by 2035. Belgium has a lot to offer in this regard, including through the cooperation between the port of Antwerp-Bruges and several Turkish ports. Today, Türkiye is its 4^th largest trading partner with over 11.5 million tonnes of goods transported in 2025.
  
  The port of Antwerp-Bruges has a lot of 'smart port' technologies on offer - such as autonomous drones for safety and inspection, digital twins, etc. - and is investing in green hydrogen and electrification. And Belgian companies can help modernise Turkish ports.
   
• Life sciences and pharmaceuticals
  
  Türkiye is spending more and more on health care, due in part to its ageing population and increasing health tourism. The country is also investing in biotech and pharmaceuticals, areas in which Belgium is also strong. Think of global leaders such as GSK and UCB. Belgian universities such as KU Leuven are also conducting leading medical research around vaccines, bioequivalent drugs, etc.
   
• Digital transformation
  
  Türkiye is determined to accelerate its digitalisation, strengthen its 5G and fibre infrastructure, and develop local capacity in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and advanced manufacturing. As a digital innovation and nanotechnology hub, Belgium has a lot to contribute: cybersecurity, smart manufacturing, semiconductors, and 'industry 4.0' solutions.
  
  The Belgian delegation was impressed by a visit to MEXT Technology, which strives to accelerate the digital, AI, and green transformation of Turkish industry.

European family

The sterling work of our Central Administration, our embassy in Ankara, and our consulate general in Istanbul - together with the Foreign Trade Agency and the regional trade agencies - has once again yielded fantastic results. The two countries clearly grew closer.

The economic mission also made clear the need for deeper, more confident European engagement with Türkiye. Belgium has a lot to offer in this regard, from its location at the heart of Europe and its familiarity with European institutions to its diplomatic tradition and the density of its industrial and academic networks.

Prudent economic integration into the European single market - starting with a revamped customs union - and full alignment with discussions on a new European security architecture can be a starting point. As Minister Prévot said during the mission, "Türkiye is a member of the European family. Europe cannot do without Türkiye and Türkiye cannot do without Europe."