Global Scans · Turkey · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Uncertainties over Turkey's eventual political position abound. With EU decisions in doubt, recent crackdown on opposition parties causing concerns, and being embroiled in complex Middle East politics and fighting terrorism on its borders and internally, which way will she swing?

• [New] Turkey-whose military spending accounts for 2% of GDP (800 billion TL) - will need to allocate an additional 1.5 trillion TL from its budget to increase military spending to 5% in line with its NATO commitment. World Socialist Web Site
• [New] Turkey's Medium-Term Program for 2026-28 expects the inflation rate to average 28.5% in 2025 and fall to around 16% in 2026. hurriyetdailynews.com
• [New] Turkey's credit rating announcements by international agencies will be one of the prominent economic agenda items in 2026. Daily Sabah
• [New] Besides disinflation, Turkey will continue its efforts to reach its sustainable growth targets in 2026. Daily Sabah
• [New] The performance of Turkish foreign policy in the transition from 2025 to 2026 will be measured not only by security moves but also by economic sustainability. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey's success in 2026 will depend on its ability to sustain alliance relations not solely through normative alignment but through mechanisms that function on concrete dossiers and crisis management capacity. Daily Sabah
• [New] The interconnection between issues will deepen: developments in Syria will affect the military-diplomatic balance in the Eastern Mediterranean, while alignments in the Eastern Mediterranean may directly affect Turkey's bargaining space in its alliance policy and regional strategic calculations. Daily Sabah
• [New] 2026 stands out as a year in which Turkey will seek to reinforce its deterrence by using hard balancing methods in Syria and in which the constraints on Israel will be tested. Daily Sabah
• [New] The hospitality, aviation, and retail sectors in Turkey will be significantly revitalized by the influx of visitors. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Tourism between Turkey and China is expected to grow significantly due to stronger trade ties and cultural exchange. Travel And Tour World
• [New] With increased flight connectivity, a growing number of Chinese tourists are expected to flock to Turkey, eager to explore its vast cultural heritage, natural wonders, and vibrant cities. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Turkey aims to build 12 conventional nuclear reactors, with a target to generate 10 -15% of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2050. oilprice.com
• [New] Turkey aims to further expand the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation and will soon use around 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion) in export credit agency financing from Italy's SACE for Black Sea projects. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey aims to reach 7.2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2035 and 20 GW by 2050. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey's priorities in Central Asia will be developing the Middle Corridor and improving energy cooperation (including green energy projects), as well as expanding business relations. Turkey recap
• [New] In 2026, Turkey-EU defence ties will reflect managed pragmatism: strategic in effect, selective in scope, and driven by necessity rather than trust. Turkey recap
• [New] Turkey will consistently strive to strengthen ties in the fields of security and defence industries with selected European nations, aiming to build islands of co-creation that will make Turkey an indispensable element of European security. Turkey recap
• [New] If escalation occurs, Turkey will tighten straits management, harden air and maritime defences and push bounded regional missions. Turkey recap
• [New] Turkey will keep backing Ukraine's sovereignty and defence cooperation while maintaining channels with Moscow for deconfliction and any future talks. Turkey recap
• [New] Syria will remain Turkey's most urgent and strategically consequential foreign policy dossier. Turkey recap
• [New] After growing by 3.3% in 2024, the Turkish economy is expected to expand by 3.6% in 2025, 3.4% in 2026 and 4% in 2027. hurriyetdailynews.com
• [New] 2026 will be a pivotal year for Turkey's energy architecture. Eurasia Review
• The foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, and Turkey condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, considering it a dangerous precedent and a threat to international peace and security. Sada News Agency

Last updated: 05 January 2026