2026-06-20 Official Gazette Summary — Issue 33286

New Legislation on Agricultural Land Protection and Food Security

Law No. 7584 introduces broad amendments to various agricultural, environmental, and commercial statutes in Turkey, primarily aimed at tightening land use regulations, strengthening oversight of natural resources, and updating disciplinary frameworks. Key provisions include stricter restrictions on the marketing, promotion, and public visibility of alcoholic beverages, alongside a requirement for existing retail outlets to achieve compliance within one year. The legislation enhances the regulatory authority of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) regarding hydroelectric power plant safety and the administrative management of water infrastructure, while also granting the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry broader powers to audit and penalize unauthorized sugar beet cultivation and non-compliant agricultural land use. Furthermore, the law establishes a legal framework for "carbon sink forests" under the General Directorate of Forestry, updates disciplinary sanctions for veterinary practitioners, increases penalties for the unauthorized transport of livestock, and provides specific procedures for resolving long-standing forest cadastre disputes. Finally, the Act revises the administrative fine structure for various regulatory violations, with many penalties subject to annual revaluation, and adjusts the licensing and operational mandates for sectors ranging from tobacco products to animal health and environmental protection.

Urgent Expropriation Decree for Oil Exploration in Diyarbakır

The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) is authorized to proceed with the urgent expropriation of a specific plot of land in the Çınar district of Diyarbakır, required for the location site and access road construction of the Kazıktepe-3 oil exploration well, to be executed by the General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs.

Urgent Expropriation Decision for Eight Energy Transmission Lines

Presidential Decree No. 11452 authorizes the urgent expropriation of certain immovable properties by the Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAŞ) for the construction of 8 specified energy transmission lines. The expropriation will be carried out in accordance with Article 27 of the Expropriation Law No. 2942, involving both full ownership and the establishment of easements for safety zones.

Research Institute for Sensors and Actuators Established at Turkish-German University

The Research Institute for Sensors and Actuators has been established under the Rectorate of the Turkish-German University.

Urgent Expropriation Decision for Alaşehir-Eşme Energy Transmission Line

The urgent expropriation of immovable properties falling within the route of the 154 kV Alaşehir-Eşme Energy Transmission Line Project has been approved to be carried out by the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ). Within this scope, the locations for transmission towers will be expropriated through ownership acquisition, while the conductor sway areas will be subject to easement rights.

Urgent Expropriation Decision for Merzifon-Samsun Energy Transmission Line

Presidential Decree No. 11455 authorizes the urgent expropriation of certain immovable properties by the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ) for the "154 kV Merzifon-Samsun-1 (1st Circuit) Energy Transmission Line Renewal Project." Pursuant to Article 27 of the Expropriation Law No. 2942, land identified along the route will be acquired through full ownership for pylon sites and through the establishment of easement rights for conductor clearance zones.

Visa exemption granted to certain Algerian citizens

Visa exemption has been granted to Algerian citizens under 15 and over 50 years of age holding ordinary passports for tourist visits and transit passages to Turkey, allowing for a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Approval of Various Asset Sales and Zoning Decisions

Various tender approvals for the sale of state-owned properties and assets have been finalized. The decision confirms the transfer of specific real estate in Antalya, Eskişehir, Kırklareli, Kocaeli, and Manisa, along with the assets of the Soma A Thermal Power Plant, to the highest bidders. Additionally, objections regarding a zoning plan amendment for a property in Izmir were rejected, and the Privatization Administration was authorized to execute the necessary processes.

Amendments to Principles on Contract Personnel Employment

The regulation on the employment of contract personnel has been amended to expand the scope of relevant professional categories and update the quota ratios for appointments. The criteria regarding "tenfold" quotas for specified positions have been reduced to "threefold" to streamline the appointment process.

Withholding Tax Application Periods for Securities Extended

The expiration date for the withholding tax rates applied to certain financial instruments under the Income Tax Law has been extended. The tax incentives for income derived from government bonds, treasury bills, and lease certificates issued by asset leasing companies have been extended from June 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The amendment takes effect as of July 1, 2026.

Salary Ceiling Regulation for Public Personnel Abroad

Upper limits have been established for the salaries of certain public personnel stationed abroad permanently. The monthly salary of a single civil servant at the 2nd degree, 1st level in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall serve as the ceiling. No payments other than the determined salary, per diem, and maternity/death benefits may be made. Furthermore, in cases where both spouses are stationed abroad permanently, only one may benefit from these provisions.

Redefinition of Tourism Zone Boundaries and Revocation of Tourism Center Status

Presidential Decree No. 11446 provides for the determination and announcement of the boundaries of certain Culture and Tourism Protection and Development Zones (KTKGB) and the revision of the boundaries of existing tourism centers. Additionally, the decree terminates the status of Sivas Kangal Balıklıçermik as a tourism center.

Extension of Deadline for Terrorism-Related Damage Claims

The deadline for concluding applications submitted under Law No. 5233 by individuals and legal entities who suffered losses due to acts of terrorism or counter-terrorism activities has been extended by one year. This extension commences from the expiration date previously set by Presidential Decree No. 9975 dated 4/6/2025.

Urgent Expropriation Decree for Salihli Geothermal Power Project

Presidential Decree no. 11448 authorizes the Manisa Investment Monitoring and Coordination Department to execute an urgent expropriation of a specific parcel in Salihli, Manisa, to facilitate the construction of a pipeline for the Salihli JES 1-2-3 geothermal power plant.

Urgent Expropriation for Natural Gas Facility in Corum Sungurlu

Regulation Amendment for Geophysical Engineers Chamber Professional Audit

Amendment to Circular No. 2018/3

The item at row 13 of list (1), attached to Circular No. 2018/3, has been repealed.

Procedures for Tariff Quota Application on Ethyl Acetate Imports

A tariff quota of 10,000 tons has been established to provide exemption from the additional financial obligation applied as a safeguard measure on the import of ethyl acetate. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Ministry of Trade’s "Import Document Transactions" portal using the "demand collection" method. Distribution will be based on criteria such as application date, actual consumption, production capacity, and past performance. In case of remaining quotas, a "first-come, first-served" approach will apply. The regulation enters into force on June 22, 2026.

EMRA Regulations on Unlicensed Electricity Generation and Natural Gas Investments

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) has updated regulations concerning unlicensed electricity generation and investment caps for various natural gas distribution companies. Decision No. 14671 allows certain unlicensed electricity generation facilities to sell their entire surplus energy, while Decision No. 14681 establishes the application of the 'Unlicensed Producer-2' tariff for these facilities. Decisions No. 14676, 14677, 14678, and 14679 revise the 2022-2026 investment caps for Aksa Tokat Amasya, Aksa Manisa, Aksa Şanlıurfa, and Aksa Sakarya natural gas distribution companies, respectively.

Organizational Amendments to Certain Ministries

Presidential Decree No. 198 introduces various amendments to the organizational structures, staffing, and mandates of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Certain departments have been restructured, new duties have been assigned, and specific staff positions have been abolished or established.