Istanbul, December 22, 2022

Press Release

The “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism,” one of the most effective instruments in the European Union’s fight against climate change, closely concerns many countries, including Türkiye. As the countdown to the IFAT Eurasia International Environmental Technologies Trade Fair continues, technologies that will be used in processes enabling production units to swiftly adapt to the new conditions are coming to the forefront.

By reaching an agreement to apply a carbon tax at the border on products such as iron, steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity imported from non-EU countries, the European Union (EU) has taken a significant step toward implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This development is of great relevance to sectors and companies in Türkiye that operate, produce, and export in these fields.

With this decision, the EU not only reinforces its commitment to the Green Deal but also aims to encourage European companies to keep their production within Europe. It seeks to eliminate the advantages gained by relocating production abroad and leaves only one viable solution: to reduce and offset emissions in line with the Green Deal targets.

COUNTDOWN TO IFAT EURASIA

As the countdown to the IFAT Eurasia International Environmental Technologies Trade Fair continues, technologies that will be key in helping production units adapt swiftly to new requirements are gaining prominence. In this respect, IFAT Eurasia will also create an important opportunity for discussing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and other areas where environmental technology applications will take center stage.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT WILL BE KEY

Namık Sarıgöl, Fair Director of EKO Fair Organization, emphasized that the IFAT Eurasia 2023 Fair, to be held in April, will continue to offer solutions to environmental problems. He stated that the Carbon Border Adjustment is one of the EU’s most critical tools in combating the climate crisis. Referring to the underlying reasons for the EU’s insistence on forming an effective climate policy, Sarıgöl said:

“The Green Deal, and more specifically the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, is rooted in environmental issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, ozone layer depletion, water pollution, waste production, and more. The European Green Deal aims to increase resource efficiency by transitioning to a clean and circular economy, mitigating and stopping climate change, reversing biodiversity loss, and reducing pollution.”

Sarıgöl underlined that IFAT Eurasia 2023 will take place at a time when Europe is searching for new solutions to its energy crisis, renewable energy is gaining popularity, energy efficiency and conservation are becoming increasingly important, and waste management and the circular economy have become indispensable:

“In this context, we know that IFAT Eurasia has assumed a very significant mission. The sharp rise in demand for participation also reflects the growing need for waste management practices and the increasing interest in technological advancements and innovations in this field.”

Sarıgöl added that the first major target in accelerating Europe’s decarbonization is to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, stating:

“Carbon tariffs will be applied to imported electricity, cement, aluminum, fertilizer, and iron-steel products from outside the EU.” He continued:

“The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will have a more direct impact on countries like Türkiye that export to the EU. In this context, countries with lower emissions or those with decarbonization policies more aligned with the EU will find it easier and more advantageous to trade with the Union, enjoying tax exemptions or lower duties. Countries like China, India, and Türkiye, which have higher emission levels, will face additional carbon costs, leading to a disadvantage in trade with the EU. Given that the EU is Türkiye’s largest export market, it is of critical importance that we monitor all developments and changes closely and take the necessary precautions. We continue our mission to inform our industrial stakeholders and introduce them to alternative technologies they can utilize.”

The IFAT Eurasia International Environmental Technologies Trade Fair, where companies operating in all areas of waste management, including water and wastewater treatment, waste-to-energy conversion, and recycling, will showcase their technologies, will be held at the TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center from April 27–29, 2023.