European automakers’ investments in Türkiye are drawing scrutiny as the EU weighs new industrial purchasing rules, with an industry representative urging lawmakers to recognize existing production ties and an expert warning of possible cost increases.
The European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act would set origin and low-carbon conditions for some public purchases and support programs. The Commission says the plan aims to strengthen manufacturing in strategic sectors and increase demand for European-made and lower-carbon products.
Under the current draft, content from customs union partners, including Türkiye, is treated by default as equivalent to EU-origin content for specified origin requirements. The Commission said it could withdraw that treatment for a country, entirely or in part, under criteria that include a lack of reciprocity. Lawmakers have yet to settle the final rules.
Maria Linkova-Nijs, executive head of policy and strategy at the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), told Anadolu Agency that the rules should take account of European manufacturers’ investments in Türkiye. Anadolu noted that production networks for trucks and buses are closely integrated between the EU and Türkiye. Anadolu separately reported that companies with substantial Turkish operations could be more exposed if eligibility is tightened.
The cost question also extends to materials. Noah Gordon, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told Anadolu that tighter aluminum sourcing rules could leave EU vehicle producers paying more. He identified Türkiye and Norway as potential partners for Europe’s electric-vehicle industry, citing the importance of energy costs in aluminum production.
ACEA data put Türkiye’s share of the EU vehicle-export market by value at 11.1% in 2025, compared with 8.3% in 2024. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir has urged the EU to include Turkish-origin goods in the proposed rules, Anadolu reported, an appeal described in EconoTimes’ earlier coverage of the proposal.
The European Parliament’s legislative tracker lists the proposal as awaiting a committee decision. It gives Dec. 14 as an indicative date for a first-reading plenary.
