Istanbul – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is signaling strong continued investment in Türkiye, citing the country’s economic resilience and potential for growth. Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD, recently emphasized a “strong appetite” for further investment in the country, building on a record €2.7 billion invested in 2023. This commitment underscores the EBRD’s confidence in Türkiye’s economic trajectory and its status as the Bank’s largest country of operations.
Renaud-Basso’s remarks, made during an appearance on Bloomberg HT, highlighted the significant role of the private sector in the EBRD’s activities within Türkiye. Nearly 98% of the Bank’s operations in the country last year were linked to private sector engagements, demonstrating a focus on fostering a dynamic and adaptable business environment. The EBRD president noted the resilience and agility of Türkiye’s private sector as key factors driving continued investment, pointing to a wealth of investment opportunities.
Focus on Renewable Energy and Infrastructure
A key area of potential investment discussed by Renaud-Basso is the renewable energy sector. She emphasized the importance of the Turkish government’s commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources, stating that “cheap energy will make you more competitive.” The EBRD sees significant potential in this area, recognizing that as Türkiye continues to grow, the transformation of its energy systems will become increasingly crucial. Diversification of energy sources and the development of robust infrastructure are also priorities, according to Renaud-Basso.
Beyond energy, the EBRD is also exploring potential investments in urban transformation projects, specifically in Istanbul. This signals a broader interest in supporting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Türkiye’s major cities. The Bank’s focus extends to enhancing the investment environment, supporting macroeconomic stability, and encouraging greater private sector investment across various sectors.
Türkiye’s Economic Strengths and Investment Appeal
Renaud-Basso highlighted several factors contributing to Türkiye’s strong investment appeal. She pointed to the country’s manufacturing capacity and its growing innovation capabilities as key strengths. “The story is continuing very well,” she stated, adding that these factors create a “strong ground” for investment and make activities in Türkiye “very reasonable.”
The EBRD’s continued engagement in Türkiye is particularly noteworthy given the global economic landscape. The Bank’s commitment provides a vote of confidence in the country’s ability to navigate economic challenges and capitalize on opportunities for growth. The focus on the private sector aligns with Türkiye’s efforts to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic activity.
The EBRD’s investment in Türkiye in 2023 reached a historic high of €2.7 billion, according to the Bank’s official website. This figure represents a significant increase in the Bank’s support for the country’s economy and reflects its long-term commitment to Türkiye’s development.
Renaud-Basso is currently visiting Türkiye from March 2nd to 6th, 2026, holding high-level meetings with government officials, private sector leaders, and representatives from international partners and civil society in both Ankara and Istanbul. This visit underscores the EBRD’s dedication to strengthening Türkiye’s economic resilience and supporting the growth of its private sector.
The EBRD is also closely monitoring Türkiye’s preparations to host the COP31 climate conference, recognizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. The Bank’s investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure are aligned with Türkiye’s efforts to meet its climate goals.
The EBRD head also urged Turkey to continue its fight against inflation, according to Reuters.
Looking ahead, the EBRD anticipates continued high levels of investment in Türkiye, driven by the country’s strong economic fundamentals and the opportunities presented by its dynamic private sector. Renaud-Basso’s visit and the Bank’s ongoing commitment signal a long-term partnership focused on sustainable and inclusive growth. The next key date to watch is the conclusion of Renaud-Basso’s visit on March 6th, 2026, and the subsequent release of detailed plans for EBRD investment in Türkiye throughout the remainder of the year.
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