The European Green Deal (EGD), which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, requires close collaboration with Türkiye due to its economic significance in the region and unique ties with the EU. The paper advocates leveraging the EU's foreign policy within the EGD and the existing Customs Union (CU) framework with Türkiye to facilitate a green transition beneficial to the entire Eastern Mediterranean.

The disparity in climate change policies among Eastern Mediterranean countries, illustrated by coal phase-out commitments, highlights the need for collaborative efforts. Türkiye's strategic importance is emphasized, especially in the context of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed to impose carbon tariffs on non-compliant imports. Türkiye's response, including its Green Deal Action Plan and ambitious targets, is discussed, as well as challenges in aligning with the EU's goals.

In this paper, the Russia-Ukraine war is identified as a game-changer, impacting global political and economic dynamics. It presents Türkiye with opportunities to enhance its role as an energy hub, providing diverse natural gas sources and green hydrogen to the EU.

The paper proposes the modernization of the Customs Union as the basis for Türkiye's integration into the EU economy and achieving its decarbonization goals. The EU and Türkiye need compatible decarbonization plans, comparable Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), and cooperation in addressing economic and social transformations driven by climate change and migration. In addition, it highlights that abandoning the Customs Union in favor of a free trade agreement would hinder the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal, emphasizing the urgency for a comprehensive and ambitious agenda in EU-Türkiye relations for a greener and cleaner Eastern Mediterranean.

The conclusion emphasizes the importance of a working relationship between the EU and Türkiye, envisioning a common future through CU modernization aligned with the European Green Deal. A deeper framework for cooperation is suggested, encompassing digitalization, decarbonization, and common security issues, with the potential establishment of an Eastern Mediterranean Climate Forum to coordinate regional climate policies.