Global Scans · Turkey · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Uncertainties over Turkey's eventual political position abound. With EU decisions in doubt, recent crackdown on opposition parties causing concerns, and being embroiled in complex Middle East politics and fighting terrorism on its borders and internally, which way will she swing?

• [New] Structural challenges, such as high unemployment and low female labour force participation, energy dependency and lack of dedicated climate legislation, and volatile business environment, continue to prevent Turkey's economy from reaching its full potential. Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood
• [New] Stadler will supply 35 diesel-electric EURO4001 locomotives to Turkish operator TCDD Tasimacilik, supporting freight capacity and emissions reduction on non-electrified routes. RAILMARKET.com
• [New] Eastern Turkey will transition from deficits to moderate surpluses. ISCIENCES
• [New] Iraq, Syria, and Turkey will transition to mostly moderate deficits with pockets of severe to exceptional deficits. ISCIENCES
• [New] The Turkish Ministry of Trade will enforce a limit of five shipments per receiver per month cleared under the simplified customs declaration procedure. Sendon.com
• [New] Last month, Turkey's central bank lowered its key interest rate by a less-than-expected 100 basis points to 37%, citing firming inflation, pricing behaviour and expectations that threaten the disinflation process. RTE
• [New] The Iraq Development Road, a prospective Gulf-to-Europe land bridge promoted by Turkey and the Gulf states, is another effort that could complement or compete with IMEC. gmfus
• [New] Countries in the region, including Turkey and Qatar, have stepped up mediation efforts amid concerns that further escalation could trigger a broader conflict. Acled
• [New] Markets like Turkey and Argentina, for instance, will shape product design and risk approaches. FinExtra
• [New] An expanded Eurosphere that includes Bulgaria, Romania, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the Balkans, Moldova, Belarus and Georgia will share a belief in democracy with the United States - but be alienated from it because of a habit of multilateralism. Centre for European Reform
• [New] Turkey, which relies on Iranian natural gas, could diversify its sources and hence any long-term disruption would be minimal. The National News
• [New] Turkey could become prosperous and respected if it simultaneously develops relations with the East and West. The Star
• [New] Temperatures across Turkey are expected to remain above seasonal norms. Turkiye Today
• [New] Turkey will generally experience partly to mostly cloudy weather, with intermittent rain and showers expected in the Marmara, Aegean, Western Mediterranean, Black Sea and Eastern and Central Anatolia regions, as well as eastern parts of Southeastern Anatolia and the coastal areas of Hatay. Turkiye Today
• [New] The Ministry of Trade expects export figures to exceed $41 billion in 2026. / Turkey One Union Solutions
• [New] A new round of Cyprus settlement talks could create an opportunity for Turkey to advance its European Union accession process, alongside progress in broader bilateral relations.
• [New] The accession process will help address Turkey's democratic shortcomings and make reforms durable while strengthening the EU's capacity to deal with growing geopolitical and economic challenges. Turkish Minute
• [New] The Turkish economy would grow by 3.7% in both 2026 and 2027. Pluralia
• [New] Turkey, NATO's second-largest army, anchors the southern flank, offering unmatched operational experience in hybrid threats. EU Perspectives
• [New] Building on the efforts of the COP 30 Brazilian Presidency, Turkey and Australia will work together, and with Pacific island countries, to strengthen and elevate the action agenda. Mirage News
• [New] Turkey will appoint the Youth Champion proposed by Australia. Mirage News
• [New] Turkey will appoint the UN High-Level Climate Champion. Mirage News

Last updated: 16 February 2026