A significant concept that recently embedded into the EU's core policies is 'green growth.' This concept is not limited solely to the climate sphere; it has a broad scope of influence, including global competition, digitalization and innovation. Collaborations and investments in these areas will influence the course of foreign relations. However, green transformation projects or agreements are the most likely to be violated and remain idealistic if they do not serve specific interests. For example, The Jadar Project in Serbia, which will extract critical minerals such as lithium, supported by the European Comission. Lithium is a crucial raw material for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy tools but it still violates environmental regulations and cause mass protests across Serbia.

These policies, which first found their voice in 2019 during von der Leyen's first term at the European Commission, have grown significantly, particularly with the support of green liberal social democrat groups. Reducing the EU's dependence on imported fossil fuels was also among the objectives, but the situation is more complex than assumed. For instance, there are different costs, such as wind turbines also harming the environment and the land required for solar panels. Furthermore, the raw materials for these technologies continue to be sourced from abroad. For the EU, the foundation of its climate policies lies in secure supply and guarantees not dependent on a single state.

Work is also being done in this field in Türkiye, but its scope remains narrower. The primary reason for this is the perception that developing countries like Türkiye have more pressing primary issues than green transformation. Although this perception is not valid when considering the world we live in, Türkiye, in light of this dilemma, is investing in green transformation in the industrial sector. However, starting these investments has complicated matters, and concerns about how to achieve a 'just transition' have begun to rise. From another perspective, in Türkiye, public opinion on climate issues is shaped less by climate change itself and more by events that directly impact social life, such as forest fires and mining activities. Accordingly, although it is a misguided thought, we must say that the main motivation behind supporting green transformation projects in Türkiye is not respect for nature but the avoidance of social disasters. Although Türkiye has stated in its climate plan under the Paris Agreement that it will reduce carbon emissions by 41%, this figure actually indicates a reduction from the planned increase, not an absolute reduction from current levels.

Recently, climate skepticism and 'climate realist' movements emerging in various regions have become a powerful voice for opposition by radical right-wing groups. Particularly, the fact that carbon taxes place an unequal burden on the middle class has helped these groups gain votes. In essence, this situation represents an escape from the reality of climate change; a perspective that postpones and ignores the problem. Although these groups suggest that future technological advances will somehow find a solution, it may already be too late.

One of the most important initiatives in this direction is the 'Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism' (CBAM). Launched in 2023, the project aims to prevent cheaply produced carbon-intensive products from entering the EU and to stop investment leakage. This application is called an 'equalizer' rather than a carbon tax. An extra fee is levied on goods entering the EU, based on the amount of carbon consumed during their production. It is also possible to say that this application will regulate the production of other countries. Another initiative, introduced in 2022 under the name 'Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive,' (CSDDD) requires large companies, in particular, to be more cautious. One of the most significant developments during this process was Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Accordingly, initiatives like RePowerEU are being conducted to reduce sharply and quickly the EU's dependence on specifically Russia.

It is not easy to answer positively the question of whether Türkiye’s relations with the EU would improve if it accelerated these efforts. In fact, while such nature-respecting climate policies could facilitate a transition to a more democratic and modern politics, this has not been the case in Türkiye. Even the public's reaction to paid plastic bags revealed how unconscious we are as a country about climate policies and the environment. At the root of this problem lie certain consumption habits and ethical issues brought by the capitalist system. The fact that consumption is a goal and that more consumption is considered a right as income increases shows how the philosophy of capitalism has become a part of this society.

Simultaneously, conspicuous consumption and the increasing selfishness of people worsen the situation. I believe the biggest problem is that people do not respect nature but only care about it to the extent it serves their interests. What needs to be done on this issue is to provide the right education from a very young age, ensuring children grow up with a certain awareness. Featuring content on this topic in the media, to which the public is constantly exposed, could also be helpful.

Consequently, necessary steps must be taken to ensure climate policies are sincerely believed in and adopted, both in Türkiye and the rest of the world. Teaching everyone respect for nature and that we do not have the right to infinite consumption should be a duty. Returning to Türkiye-EU relations, this reluctance towards climate policies represents only one dimension of the relationship. The EU's doubts about the rule of law and the supremacy of the judiciary in Türkiye, combined with other issues like the Cyprus Operation (whose effects are still felt), show us that there are multiple dimensions of the relationship that need improvement. We can say that relations will progress positively not only with climate policies but also with the development of Türkiye’s social, economic, and legal processes.