Erdogan Urges EU to Consider Turkey's EU Application, Similar to Ukraine's

LOCAL NEWS

• Erdogan urges EU to apply the same sensitivity to Turkey’s EU application as Ukraine’s after it agreed to consider Ukraine’s bid yesterday. Says “will you consider our bud when somebody attacks us too?” – Ahval
• FM Cavusoglu says Turkey has no intention of joining sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine – saying Turkey would not give up its national interests but not neglect the regional and global balance either.
  • Turkey did, however, warn all coastal & non-coastal countries not to allow passage of warships via the Bosphorus straits after implementing the Montreaux convention.
• Turkey cuts VAT on electricity to 8% to combat inflation, bringing its down from 18%. Erdogan said that by summer the inflation problem will be under control by the summer months to a great extent – Duvar
• Turkey’s recent efforts to rebuild regional ties with the Gulf states could see its defence industry grow as links to Saudi & Emirati markets improve. Trade with Saudi fell to $189m in 2021 vs $3.2bn over the boycott of Turkish goods which ended in Jan 2022 – Ahval
• Turkish tourism sector is showing signs of strain from the Ukraine crisis as hotel reservations from Russia have slowed down significantly and companies are having trouble with payments. The industry is also worried about the disruption of flights with airspace bans - Sozcu