Turkey

In 1987, Turkey applied to join what was then the European Economic Community and in 1997 it was declared eligible to join the EU. Turkey’s involvement in the European integration process dates back to 1959 and includes the Ankara Association Agreement (1963) for the progressive establishment of a Customs Union (ultimately set up in 1995).

Turkey started the accession negotiations in October 2005 (negotiations related to Chapter 27 were opened in 2009).

Turkey has achieved some level of alignment and has certain in-country resources, but the implementation work needs to be strengthened. The ratification of the Paris Agreement is still pending. A new national climate strategy consistent with the European Union 2030 framework on climate and energy policies has yet to be developed and adopted. The EU IPA II funding allocated for this purpose will help with the strategy update. The existing National Climate Change Strategy and National Climate Change Action Plan include numerous climate change mitigation actions in some sectors but are inconsistent with other strategies, such as those for energy.

The country has elaborated plans and strategies to achieve progress, however, there are efforts to be made.

The main beneficiary institution of RIPAP in Turkey is the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation.