Minister Murat Kurum met with EU Commission Vice President Timmermans and his delegation as part of the "EU High Level Climate Dialogue".
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum accepted EU Commission Vice President Franz Timmermans and his delegation as part of the "EU High Level Climate Dialogue". Following a bilateral meeting at the ministry and the EU High-Level Dialogue Meeting, the two men held a joint press conference.
Consultation on Combating Climate Change
At the EU High Level Dialogue Meeting, turkey and the European Union's cooperation to increase renewable energy sources, share knowledge and experience and create new technologies in the fight against climate change was consulted. Minister Murat Kurum thanked Timmermans for his visits, stating after the meeting that today's talks will contribute greatly to the joint fight against climate change and further strengthen relations between Turkey and the EU.
"We see the Green Development and Circular Economy Process as an Opportunity"
Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, the Minister said that turkey had the opportunity to discuss in detail its fight against climate change, the steps it will take in the future, and the mutual support it will provide with the EU. Stating that Turkey has very serious potential for emissions reduction despite being one of the least polluting countries in the world, the institution said that as a developing country, they see the green development and circular economy process as an opportunity, and president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told the world about this issue on every platform.
"We are creating Turkey's Green Taxonomy"
The Minister institution will be the 27th cop to be held later this year. Stating that the national contribution statement will be updated before the Meeting of the Parties; "In this context, we will actually fulfill the commitments we have made with the steps of 2053. We are implementing the emissions trading system at the point of greenhouse gas reduction and in this context we care that it is compatible with the European Union. We are creating Turkey's green taxonomy to increase green financing and meet green investments at this point. We will also create an environment where investments are turned into opportunities and all investments are discussed. In order to achieve our 2053 targets, we also stated to my dear friend that the European Union should increase its support and cooperation in our investments, projects and cooperation in the fight against climate change at this point."
IPA Funds Increased
Stating that EU High Level Cooperation and dialogue should continue with teams in the technical field, with representatives of the ministry and other ministries, the Institution stated that Turkey has done many projects with the EU, especially with IPA funds. Timmermans and I discussed the need to increase these funds within the framework of climate change adaptation and adaptation, it said. These studies show the sincerity and diligence that Turkey has put forward in its fight against climate change." Stating that it believed the meeting would contribute to Turkey's steps and the process of EU membership and cohesion, it thanked Timmermans and his delegation.
"Our Dialogue with Turkey is a Strategic Opportunity"
Noting that Turkey has decarbonization efforts and commitments in the fight against climate change, Timmermans said that they welcome all of Turkey's commitments and all the steps they have taken. "The fact that I am here on behalf of the EU is of symbolic importance for the continuation of this process. We have to put forward a better world, a better environment for our children and grandchildren. And for that, we need to start working now. I think our dialogue with Turkey is a strategic opportunity both for the EU and for Turkey. Because the political climate we're in is very challenging. Countries that reject barbarism need to stand together. Countries that reject this occupation of Ukraine's peaceful people need to be united," he said.
"We have decisions to increase investment in hydrogen technologies"
Asked at the meeting: Stating that Turkey has rich hydrogen sulfide deposits, especially in the Black Sea, the Minister stated that the EU Commission is considering the same things as Turkey when it comes to the use and dissemination of hydrogen technology. Stating that Turkey has rich hydrogen resources capable of meeting the needs of EU countries, the Institution added: "We have agreed that the technology here should be improved and knowledge and experience sharing should be increased. We will also carry out our work in this field together with technical committees. In the coming period, within the framework of the Climate Law and the work we have done in Shura, we have decisions to increase the capacity of renewable energy sources, reduce the use of fossil fuels, increase investment in hydrogen technologies and the technologies that may arise after that. In this context, we decided to continue working together with the commission."
"We Need to Move to a Hydrogen-Based Economy"
On the same question, Timmermans stated that hydrogen is very important for the industrial development of the EU.
"We can use electrical energy in many areas, but making electricity widespread is not part of the solution. In the future, the construction of steel, aluminum, the use of fertilizer will be provided with hydrogen and in other areas hydrogen will be very important. Likewise, we can say something else about hydrogen. Especially countries such as Turkey will start generating energy from both wind and solar in incredible amounts. Turkey will start to produce more than it needs. Energy will also be exported from now on. I think energy storage is very important. Especially with hydrogen, this can be done much more easily, hydrogen can be shipped to much longer distances. We now want to build partnerships in this field. As the EU, we need more than we can produce ourselves. We need to move to a hydrogen-based economy, especially with countries in the Mediterranean basin. We're not supposed to be tied to just one supplier. We need to diversify that. At the same time, politically, we need to achieve political stability in the Mediterranean region. Turkey is always important here."
