Turkey's Green Taxonomy Regulation took effect on September 24, 2026, ahead of COP31 in Istanbul. The rules define what counts as a sustainable investment, but the annexes include electricity generation and district heating from fossil gas, new nuclear power plant construction, and carbon-intensive manufacturing such as plastics and iron and steel. Experts quoted in Bianet argue that a 60 year nuclear plant or a 30 to 40 year gas plant cannot be called a transition activity without undermining the 2053 net zero target. The regulation also leaves room for weak enforcement. Financial institutions are exempt from reporting until 2029, real sector reporting can be skipped if green activities are below 10 percent, and greenwashing is defined but not tied to sanctions. The 15 member committee that will approve technical screening criteria is made up of ministries and financial authorities, with no scientists, professional chambers, or environmental groups at the table. Critics say the real driver is EU CBAM exposure for exporters, not climate integrity.
