In Istanbul, a discussion on the economic and political challenges of the future

The old international order is in crisis; the new one is struggling to take shape. It was this observation that provided the starting point for the 19th Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona, which is taking place on 22 and 23 October in Istanbul, bringing together institutional representatives, diplomats, business leaders and economists from over thirty countries. Established in 2008 to foster economic and political dialogue between entities belonging to different geopolitical systems, the Forum is organised by the non-profit association Conoscere Eurasia, chaired by Antonio Fallico. The aim is to keep channels of dialogue open between Europe, Russia, Asia and the Middle East, at a time marked by wars, sanctions and trade tensions.

The opening session provided a snapshot of the transformations currently underway, with differing views on the future of relations between the major powers. The Forum was opened by Turkish Minister for the Economy Mehmet Simsek, who quoted Antonio Gramsci: ‘The old world is dying. The new one is slow to emerge, and in this twilight monsters are born.’ The most observant see in this tribute a clear signal of collaboration with Italia. Simsek emphasised Turkey’s diplomatic role, from its commitment to finding solutions to regional conflicts to its attempts at mediation between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East.

The minister also highlighted the growth of the defence industry as one of the key changes in the Turkish economy: the sector’s turnover has risen from $200 million in 2002 to nearly 11 billion in 2026. Ankara is simultaneously seeking to strengthen its role as an energy and logistics hub between Asia and Europe, by developing road and rail links with the Persian Gulf and the Jordanian port of Aqaba. Trade agreements and tourism round off a strategy aimed at reducing the country’s vulnerability to international tensions.

The Turkish position was also highlighted by Fallico, who described Ankara as an example of strategic autonomy: a member of NATO, yet at the same time capable of maintaining relations with Russia, China and India and participating in various forms of international cooperation. A balance that enables it to deal with opposing parties and to increase its influence, from the Caucasus to the Mediterranean.

The issue of relations between Moscow and Washington was raised in the Russian delegation’s statements. Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian President’s envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, described the resumption of dialogue between the two countries as positive, arguing that there is scope for cooperation in the energy sector. Dmitriev also stated that the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines will eventually become operational again, describing their reactivation as ‘inevitable’. According to the Russian representative, the rising cost of energy in Europe will make it difficult to rule out supplies from Moscow in the long term.