Turkey's recovery has lost momentum and the IMF is calling for economic reforms. The current, low growth rates may still be significantly higher than those of the EU member states but structural reform is required to fully utilise Turkey's economic potential. The bridging function between East and West harbours additional growth potential. As membership of the EU Customs Union is not purely advantageous for Turkey, it uses its geostrategic position to build up additional trade relations in the East. Turkey's potential therefore remains considerable, particularly as a crossover point between East and West, despite the challenges posed by its domestic economy and the country's susceptibility to external shocks.

Turkey – A bridge between East and West opening up opportunities(PDF, 259 KB, non-accessible)