Participation as a "Strategic Partner" in Türkiye's Three Seas Initiative Summit (April 2026)

Türkiye’s participation in the Three Seas Initiative (TSI) Summit as a “Strategic Partner” represents a significant development reflecting its involvement in the multilateral diplomatic process concerning European-centered regional infrastructure energy and connectivity projects.

Framework of the Summit

The 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit was held in Dubrovnik Croatia on 28–29 April 2026. Turkey was represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan who attended on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

This summit holds particular importance as it was the first meeting at which Turkey participated under the “Strategic Partner” status it was granted unanimously at the Warsaw Summit in 2025.

Turkey’s “Strategic Partner” Status

Turkey was recognized as a “Strategic Partner” of the Three Seas Initiative at the 2025 Warsaw Summit. This status signifies Turkey’s participation not as a full member but as a supportive actor aimed at deepening cooperation within the initiative.

The Dubrovnik meeting which marked Turkey’s first participation under this status is assessed as significant for enhancing Turkey’s position in European energy transportation and digital infrastructure projects.

Approach to Connectivity

During assessments at the summit it was emphasized that the concept of connectivity extends beyond physical infrastructure elements. In addition to transportation networks energy pipelines digital infrastructure financial systems and governance mechanisms were identified as integral components of this concept.

Amid global geopolitical tensions it was underscored that the security of supply chains and energy supplies has become more critical thereby making the diversification of infrastructure and logistics networks a necessity.

Strategic Projects and Turkey’s Role

It was noted that Turkey highlighted several projects developed in line with its geostrategic position at the summit. In this context initiatives such as the “Middle Corridor” and the “Development Route Project” were presented as alternative routes contributing to global trade flows.

These projects were described not as competitive alternatives but as complementary structures designed to enhance regional prosperity.

Turkey–European Union Relations

The summit also addressed relations between Türkiye and the European Union. In light of current global and regional challenges it was noted that a new approach is needed to achieve concrete progress in bilateral ties.

The connectivity agenda was identified as a concrete and positive field capable of strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and the European Union.

Structure of the Three Seas Initiative

The Three Seas Initiative is a regional cooperation platform established in 2015 under the leadership of Poland and Croatia. The initiative aims to enhance energy transportation and digital infrastructure among Central and Eastern European countries located between the Baltic Sea the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea.

Only European Union member states may participate as “Participating Member States.” Alongside Türkiye the United States Germany Japan Spain and the European Commission hold “Strategic Partner” status. Ukraine Moldova Albania and Montenegro are included as “Co-Participating Countries.”

It was indicated that Italy is expected to join the initiative as a “Strategic Partner” following the Dubrovnik summit.

Türkiye’s participation in the Three Seas Initiative Summit as a “Strategic Partner” is described as a development demonstrating the expansion of Türkiye’s role within European-centered regional cooperation mechanisms. The topics discussed at the summit including connectivity energy security and infrastructure projects were linked to Türkiye’s position within regional and global trade networks.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the General Session of the 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit 28 April 2026 (Anadolu Agency)

Turkey’s Representation and Bilateral Meetings at the 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended the 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit in Dubrovnik Croatia on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The summit serves as a multilateral platform aimed at enhancing cooperation in energy transportation and digital infrastructure among Central and Eastern European countries.

During the summit Minister Fidan held talks with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić-Radman in Dubrovnik. The meeting is assessed as having addressed diplomatic relations between the two countries and regional cooperation issues.

Minister Fidan also met with Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto. It was stated that this meeting took place within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative Summit and focused on regional developments and multilateral cooperation.