Turkey: Economy

Domestic

The month's domestic focus centered on achievements in aviation and national infrastructure. The government highlighted that Istanbul Airport was the second-busiest airport in Europe last year, framing this as a significant national accomplishment and a sign of resilience amid global turbulence. In a related development, Turkish Airlines reported carrying a record 92.6 million passengers in 2025 and has begun constructing new facilities valued at $2.3 billion, signaling a major operational expansion.

International

In international economic relations, significant obstacles emerged for major trade agreements. A major trade pact between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur was blocked in Germany, with opposition from both the Green party and the far-right AfD, citing concerns over environmental and social standards. Separately, the European Parliament suspended its approval process for a trade deal with the United States. This pause coincides with broader EU hesitation in formulating a response to new tariff threats from the US, marking a notable stall in transatlantic trade relations.