On May 8, a high-level event was held at Sakarya University in Turkiye, dedicated to the implications of the European Green Deal regulations for Turkiye. Speakers from Turkish ministries and European bilateral chambers of commerce gathered managers, academics, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the Green Deal.
Exporters and professional associations shared their opinions with the assembled audience. Leyla De Mos, an international trade expert with experience in both Dutch and Turkish enterprises, was invited as a speaker. Her expertise in trade and sustainability, combined with her extensive relationships with small and medium-sized producers across various sectors, made her the ideal speaker.
Participants included representatives from the Accounting and Auditing Oversight Board, various ministries such as Trade and Environment, and top executives from prominent industries like PIRELLI and FIAT.
Among the invited panel speakers from the bilateral chambers of commerce was the Netherlands-Turkiye Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Presentation by Leyla De Mos:
– Actions on waste challenges
– Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
– Digital Passport for textiles
– Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
– Sustainable Products Regulation
Leyla emphasized that 80% of the ecological footprint of a textile product is determined in the design phase, which is why the EU imposes more responsibilities on textile producers. She highlighted the financial benefits of sustainability, using the example of the existing (old) Ecodesign Directive from 2009, which has proven beneficial for business, consumers, and the environment. In 2021, it saved €120 billion in energy costs and reduced consumer energy bills by 10%, covering 31 types of products. The EU also weighs the cost of each measure against the affordability of textiles.
Leyla discussed the importance of the Digital Product Passport, which should contain transparent information about products, enabling informed decisions for repairs and recycling, especially in the construction sector. Peter Wolters, vice-chairman of the Netherlands-Turkiye Chamber of Commerce Foundation, had warned about this development in an article in Istanbul Today magazine already in 2020.
Innovations give Turkish companies an edge over competitors, as they are more likely to be chosen by Dutch importers. On a smaller, local scale, it also offers benefits; for example, every 1,000 tons of collected textiles for reuse create 20 to 35 social jobs.
Leyla also spoke about the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon tax on the import of energy-intensive products into the EU. Fully implemented in 2026, this mechanism will play a crucial role in promoting global cleaner production. For Turkish exporters, this means investing in cleaner technologies to remain competitive in the European market.
Since 2023, the Dutch tax authority requires foreign companies to report certain goods. From January 1, 2026, there will be a registration and payment obligation. Dutch importers must document and report the carbon footprint of imported electricity and materials such as steel, iron, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers. Chemicals, hydrogen, and plastics may also fall under this requirement.
With her deep knowledge and experience, Leyla De Mos is a leading voice in the dialogue on sustainability and trade between Turkiye and Europe. Her presentation at this event underscores her position as an influential expert, helping businesses navigate the complex landscapes of international trade and environmental legislation.
* Expert participation certificate, Leyla De Mos (right side)
With offices in both the Netherlands and Turkiye, Leyla has built a reputation as a bridge-builder between different sectors, enterprises, and entrepreneurs. With the new ‘Holland Trade Center Istanbul,’ she will offer even more capacity alongside her Dutch-Turkish-speaking partner Fred van der Weijde, who specializes in (energy and IT) product and project management and outsourcing in Turkiye.
