11.11.2026 15:07
The Ministry of Trade announced that an important stage has been reached in the cooperation process between Türkiye and the European Union (EU) for the mutual recognition of electronic signatures and electronic seals. Stating that a declaration of intent was exchanged with the European Commission in Chișinău on 9 November, the Ministry reported that a National Working Group will be established in Türkiye and that the first technical meeting with the Commission will be held within November.
The step has been taken to strengthen the digital leg of trade relations between Türkiye and the EU. With the mutual recognition of electronic signatures and seals, it is aimed to facilitate Turkish companies' access to digital trade and tender processes in the EU.
TÜRKİYE AND THE EU EXCHANGED DECLARATIONS OF INTENT
According to a written statement by the Ministry of Trade, on the occasion of the EU-Central Asia Digital Connectivity Platform meeting held in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, on November 9, 2026, a declaration of intent was exchanged with the European Commission. The declaration of intent aims to initiate the process for the mutual recognition of electronic signatures and to explore cooperation opportunities.
In the statement, it was emphasized that this development is an important output of Türkiye's initiatives to strengthen its economic and trade integration with the EU in the digital field.
CONSENSUS HAD BEEN REACHED IN THE HIGH-LEVEL TRADE DIALOGUE
Within the framework of the technical consultations the Ministry has long been conducting and the consensus reached in the High-Level Trade Dialogue co-chaired by the Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, it was stated that technical work on the mutual recognition of electronic signatures had been included in the joint agenda. The statement included, "With the Declaration of Intent exchanged in Chișinău, the joint will to develop cooperation in this field has been concretized."
SIGNAL OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE EU
In the statement, which conveyed that the European Commission welcomed Türkiye's initiative, it was noted that the Commission stated it was open to exploring cooperation options for financially supporting the process through instruments such as the EU4Digital III Regional Programme.
"THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY IS INCREASING"
In the statement, which recalled that the Customs Union between Türkiye and the EU provides deep economic and trade integration between the parties, it was stated that the increasing digitalization of trade and regulatory processes makes it necessary to develop this integration also in terms of digital infrastructures. The statement said, "Digital systems developed by the EU in the areas of product compliance, sustainability, traceability and customs procedures increase the importance of digital connectivity in Turkish exporters' access to the EU market."
REMOTE PARTICIPATION IN TENDERS WILL BE FACILITATED
It was stated that the mutual recognition of electronic signatures and seals will support companies' effective participation in the EU's digital trade and regulatory infrastructures. This cooperation is expected to contribute to cross-border digital transactions in areas such as remote participation in public tenders, remote monitoring of processes and trade financing.
A NATIONAL WORKING GROUP WILL BE ESTABLISHED
In line with the declaration of intent, a National Working Group will be established in Türkiye in the coming period with the participation of relevant institutions and organizations. The group will evaluate the legal, administrative and technical issues required for mutual recognition during the internal consultation process. It was agreed with the European Commission that the first technical meeting would be held within November 2026.
The Ministry reported that work with relevant institutions will continue in line with the goals of developing the digital dimension of Türkiye-EU trade relations and strengthening the functioning of the Customs Union in accordance with the needs of the digital age.