It addresses the case of France, clarifying the specific French outlook on the Europe-Turkey economic nexus and assessing French stakes in the upgrading of the current trade system.

While French business stakeholders see Turkey as a potential hub to develop activities in the Middle East and Central Asia, public authorities have become worried over France’s growing trade deficit with Turkey. Moreover, a series of political crises have recently consistently harmed the perception of Turkey both as a market and as a partner. Some disagreements also remain concerning the areas that could be newly opened up for trade. If France and Turkey formally claim to be in favor of upgrading the EU-Turkey CU, concrete opportunities for progress are thus presently hindered by the degradation of the bilateral climate.