Türkiye Urges EU to Ease Schengen Visa Restrictions for Citizens
Türkiye Renews Call for Schengen Visa Reform and Stronger EU Integration
President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has once again called on the European Union to revise Schengen visa practices, urging reforms that would ease travel for Turkish citizens and enhance economic cooperation between Türkiye and the EU.
“The visa practices such as Schengen, which limit the mobility of our citizens and, consequently, the circulation of goods, services, and capital, must be re-evaluated.”
— President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Visa Liberalisation a Key Unresolved Issue
Visa liberalisation remains a central point of contention in Türkiye–EU relations. Alongside its long-standing goal of EU accession, Türkiye has consistently emphasized the need to remove visa barriers that restrict its citizens from freely entering the Schengen Area.
In January 2024, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss both visa liberalisation and Türkiye’s EU membership path.
During the meeting, Minister Fidan urged the EU to intensify efforts to complete the visa liberalisation process, which he described as vital for both practical travel considerations and broader political alignment.
At present, all Turkish passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to the EU—a requirement Ankara has long argued is unfair and outdated, especially given the scope of EU-Türkiye cooperation.
Erdogan Pushes for Customs Union Update
Speaking at the Tirana Summit, President Erdogan also underlined the need to modernise the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, calling it an essential step to reinforce mutual security and economic prosperity.
“As a European continent, we must start transformation at home based on principles of indivisible security and fairer distribution of prosperity.”
— President Erdogan
The Customs Union, which dates back to 1995, governs trade relations between Türkiye and the EU, but has not kept pace with modern economic realities. Ankara argues that updating the agreement would benefit both sides by expanding access to services, digital trade, and public procurement.
EU Membership Still a Strategic Priority for Türkiye
Erdogan reaffirmed that full EU accession remains a strategic objective for Türkiye. Speaking earlier this year, he urged European leaders to support his country's candidacy, highlighting how Türkiye could help address the EU’s demographic and economic challenges.
“Full EU accession would throw a lifeline to the ageing economy and workforce of the EU,”
— President Erdogan
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