TÜRKİYE has intensified its efforts to align with sustainability and green transformation targets. According to the Presidency’s Annual Programme for 2026, as part of the green and digital transformation agenda, high value-added production is targeted across all sectors-particularly chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, machinery, electrical equipment, automotive, electronics, and rail system vehicles. R&D activities, technology transfer for sustainable production, and the development of green transformation technologies will be supported.

GREEN TRANSFORMATION CERTIFICATE 

Applications for the ‘Green Transformation in Industry Certificate’ will be accepted from industrial facilities that operate clean and resource-efficient production processes. Preparations will be made for the artificial intelligence-based evaluation of these applications. The certificate will be used to define priorities in public procurement processes and to facilitate access to green finance. In addition, a sectoral expert pool will be established to identify export sectors contributing to the green transformation of industry.

DIGITALIZATION SUPPORT FOR SMEs

Sectoral analyses will be conducted in the manufacturing industry, and the integration of digital technologies-such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced automation-into production processes will be encouraged, alongside broader digital transformation initiatives.

Through the Digital Transformation Programme, investments by companies to integrate digital technologies into their manufacturing processes will be supported. Within the scope of the programme, SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector will receive interest support on loans for their digitalization investments.

TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMMES IN ACTION

Programmes prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Technology in line with the vision of the National Technology Initiative also aim to achieve green and digital transformation in industry. Examples of the support provided include:

* As of September, 23 applications with a total investment value exceeding TRY 6.7bn were submitted to the Digital Transformation Programme.

* Within the scope of project calls announced by KOSGEB to support SMEs’ solar energy investments, improve resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, protect water resources, and promote sustainable production methods, TRY 5.6bn in support was provided to 2,012 enterprises.

* Under TÜBİTAK’s Green Innovation Technology Mentorship Support Programme, TRY 2.6mn was allocated to 741 projects, while TRY 22 mn was allocated to 231 projects under the Support for Green Transformation in Industry Programme. Support for eight R&D and Innovation Networks for Industry (SAYEM) projects under the Green Transformation Programme is also planned.

* Through the Capacity Development Support Programme (KOBİGEL), support is provided for SMEs’ scale-up investments aimed at increasing efficiency, production capacity, market size, and corporate capabilities. 1,647 projects were approved under the programme.

How will the green transformation gain momentum?

According to the Medium-Term Programme (2026–2028), the following steps will be taken:

* Secondary legislation under the Climate Law, including regulations on greenhouse gas emission reductions and climate change adaptation, will be completed.

* The Türkiye Emissions Trading System (TR ETS) will be implemented.

* Activities related to the establishment of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the use of ETS revenues to finance green transformation will be carried out.

* The impacts of the European Green Deal and CBAM on various sectors will be assessed, and low-carbon sectoral roadmaps will be developed for sectors affected by EU regulations.

* Sustainable production, energy efficiency, and the development of climate-friendly technologies will be supported through calls launched under the Türkiye Green Industry Project.

* Zero-waste practices will be expanded, and a deposit return system will be introduced.

* Within the scope of negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty, national policies and legislation on the production, use, and disposal of plastics will be reviewed, and areas requiring improvement will be identified.

* As part of the Sustainable Tourism Programme, efforts to accelerate green transformation in tourism will be intensified, and certification and documentation activities for tourism facilities and sector stakeholders will be expanded in line with programme objectives.

Antalya to host the COP31 

Türkiye’s first Climate Law, comprising 20 articles and two provisional articles, entered into force on 9 July 2025 as part of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution and 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target. The law sets out activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, measures for climate change adaptation, planning and implementation tools, revenue mechanisms, licensing and supervision processes, as well as the principles and procedures governing the relevant legal and institutional framework.

One of the most significant outcomes of Türkiye’s green transformation efforts has been its selection as the host of COP31. The Conference of the Parties (COP31) will be held in Antalya on

9-20 November 2026.