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Queen Mathilde Signs Deal to Modernize EU-Turkey Customs Union

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

On May 10 2026, Queen Mathilde led a mission to Turkey and signed a declaration to modernize the EU-Turkey Customs Union and add double-taxation avoidance.
2025 trade hit $9.2 billion ($5 billion exports, $4.2 billion imports) against a $15 billion target and Belgian investment since 2002 totals $9.3 billion versus $490 million Turkish, with 719 firms operating.
Turkish defense exports grew from $248 million in 2002 to over $10 billion in 2025, ranking Turkey 11th worldwide.

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Story summary

On May 10 2026, Queen Mathilde led a mission to Turkey and signed a declaration to modernize the EU-Turkey Customs Union and add double-taxation avoidance.
2025 trade hit $9.2 billion ($5 billion exports, $4.2 billion imports) against a $15 billion target and Belgian investment since 2002 totals $9.3 billion versus $490 million Turkish, with 719 firms operating.
Turkish defense exports grew from $248 million in 2002 to over $10 billion in 2025, ranking Turkey 11th worldwide.