Türkiye’s Digital Transformation: Policy & Regulatory Outlook

Türkiye’s digital policy framework is undergoing a fundamental transformation, shifting from a fragmented, sector-based model toward a comprehensive, enforcement-ready system built around three core pillars: cybersecurity consolidation, content moderation reform and child safety regulation.

 

The Cybersecurity Law (Law No. 7545), in force since March 2025, consolidates technical and regulatory powers under a single authority. The appointment of the first President of the Cybersecurity Authority in October 2025 marks the beginning of an implementation phase centered on security, oversight and enforcement.

 

Meanwhile, the government’s 11th Judicial Package seeks to restore and modernize mechanisms for online content removal and access blocking following the Constitutional Court’s annulment of Article 9 of Law No. 5651. In parallel, Türkiye is advancing toward a binding child-safety framework with clear age thresholds, stronger verification requirements and enhanced platform accountability – aligning with the European Parliament’s push for a 16+ digital minimum age.

 

Below, Aretera provides detailed analysis of Türkiye’s digital policy developments and their strategic implications for international technology companies operating in this critical market.

 

The below memo covers the implementation of Türkiye’s first comprehensive Cybersecurity Law and new institutional architecture, the restoration of content moderation mechanisms under the 11th Judicial Package, as well as strategic implications and compliance priorities for digital platforms.

Aretera Announces Key Leadership Promotions

Aretera is pleased to announce that Lilyana Zagorcheva has been appointed as Regional Director for Southeast Europe & Romena Butanska has been promoted to Country Director for Bulgaria.

 

Lilyana Zagorcheva – Regional Director for Southeast Europe

 

Lilyana has been an instrumental member of the Aretera team since our foundation as Country Director for Bulgaria, providing day-to-day guidance to our Southeast European practice, as well as strategic insight and counsel to several of our regional clients. Her appointment as Regional Director represents a natural progression as Aretera deepens its presence in high-growth regions.

 

Lilyana has more than 20 years of experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, conflict/crisis management and market entry support. Her experience includes sustained C-suite level counsel on all aspects of stakeholder management and dialogue for a long list of multinational corporations in a wide range of sectors, including energy, finance, IT and chemical industries.

 

In her new role, Lilyana will spearhead Aretera’s growth strategy across key Southeast European markets, manage regional client relationships and provide strategic oversight to our regional partnerships, overseeing a range of cross-border functions within our regional practice to meet evolving client needs.

 

Romena Butanska – Country Director for Bulgaria

 

Lilyana will be succeeded by Romena Butanska, who has been supporting our Southeast European practice as Senior Advisor for Bulgaria. Her insights and counsel have been invaluable to Aretera’s recent growth in Bulgaria and her promotion recognises her exceptional contributions to the firm’s regional success.

 

As Country Director for Bulgaria, Romena will oversee all daily client and business development operations in Sofia. She will manage relationships with our growing portfolio of clients and oversee engagement with government and regulatory bodies. She will also be responsible for business development initiatives and strengthening Aretera’s position as the leading advisory firm in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe.

Fanni Temesvári joins Aretera as Associate for Hungary

Aretera is delighted to announce that Fanni Temesvári has joined our growing CEE practice as Associate for Hungary.

 

Fanni is an aspiring public policy professional, with a multi-country background in international relations. Based in Budapest, she previously worked with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary. At Aretera, she focuses on policy analysis and regulatory monitoring, as well as on advising clients on local engagement.

 

“We are delighted that Fanni has joined our growing team,” said Áron Varga, Country Director for Hungary. “Combined with her background in public policy analysis and business advocacy, we are confident that her robust knowledge and experience in public affairs will prove beneficial for our clients in Hungary.”

Alexandra Burcea joins Aretera as Senior Associate for Romania

Aretera is delighted to announce that Alexandra Burcea has joined our growing Romanian practice as Senior Associate and Head of Legal Affairs. Alexandra is a public affairs professional and a white-collar defence attorney at law, with over seven years of professional experience.

 

She has represented both Romanian and international corporate clients, financial institutions, and public figures, providing both advisory and litigation support. Before Aretera, she worked for at one of the leading Romanian law firms, specializing exclusively in white collar offences, and also at a leading law firm in Central and Eastern Europe, with offices in 14 countries

 

“We are delighted that Alexandra has joined our growing team,” said Chris Dobson, Managing Partner. “Combined with her background in working with international corporate clients in Romania and the region, we are confident that her robust knowledge and experience in public affairs, litigation, compliance and legal analysis will prove beneficial for our clients in Romania.”

Greek Government at Crossroads Due to Overlapping Crises

The government of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis continues to face overlapping and serious crises, despite ongoing attempts by his ruling New Democracy party to highlight economic progress. The PM sought to revive sagging poll numbers with a €2 billion package of tax cuts and benefits announced during September’s Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), however the plan, meant to ease cost-of-living pressures and boost youth and families, drew a lukewarm response. Polls now place the ruling ND near 25–30%—far below its 2023 victory margin. In parallel, many Greeks have dismissed the TIF pledges as token relief amid high prices and rents. Government rhetoric has hardened, with Mitsotakis railing against “fake news” and emphasising law-and-order and migration to consolidate conservatives.

 

Simultaneously, corruption probes and mismanagement scandals have put the ruling ND on the defensive. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating major fraud in EU-funded farm subsidies, while public anger over the 2023 Tempi train tragedy persists. These controversies highlight governance weaknesses and have strengthened the opposition’s attacks on ND’s “clientelist state.”

 

Economically, Greece’s macro-indicators remain solid, with GDP growth at 2.2–2.3%, public debt projected near 138% of GDP by 2026 (down from 180%+), and unemployment at below 9%, the lowest in a decade. The country has regained investment-grade status after 13 years, marking a strong economic policy result. Yet, 3%+ inflation and soaring housing costs continue to erode living standards. New tax arrears jumped €3 billion in early 2025, underscoring the gap between macroeconomic success and household hardship—a key political risk for the government.

 

ND’s parliamentary majority ensures short-term stability, however ongoing scandals, inflation and infrastructure strains are eroding its authority. Mitsotakis rejects early elections, yet as Greece heads into the 2026 pre-election year and a constitutional review process, pressure will intensify. Greece’s fundamentals remain sound, but public patience is thinning and the margin for error is narrowing.

Aretera Announces Key Leadership Promotions to Drive Regional Expansion

Aretera is pleased to announce that Philip Merrell has been appointed as Head of Emerging Markets, whilst Lana Avakumović has been promoted to Regional Director for Adria and the Western Balkans.

 

Philip Merrell – Head of Emerging Markets

 

Philip has been a member of the Aretera team since 2022, providing day-to-day guidance to our Southeast European practice, as well as strategic insights and counsel to several of our regional clients. His appointment as Head of Emerging Markets represents a natural progression as Aretera deepens its presence in high-growth regions.

 

Philip brings extensive experience across emerging markets, having lived and consulted multinational and regional in the Middle East and North Africa, Turkey, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. This deep regional expertise positions him uniquely to lead Aretera’s strategic expansion into the emerging markets, including MENA and APAC, where the firm is rapidly establishing new client relationships and building local capabilities.

 

In his new role, Philip will spearhead Aretera’s growth strategy across emerging markets, manage global client relationships spanning multiple regions, and provide strategic oversight to our expanding reputation management practice.

 

Lana Avakumović – Regional Director, Adria & Western Balkans

 

Philip will be succeeded by Lana Avakumović, who has been supporting our Southeast European practice as Senior Advisor for two years. Her insights and counsel have been invaluable to Aretera’s recent growth across the Western Balkans, and her promotion recognises her exceptional contributions to the firm’s regional success. Throughout this period, Aretera has developed offices and strong on-ground capabilities in each of the six Western Balkans markets, in addition to Croatia and Slovenia.

 

As Regional Director for Adria and the Western Balkans, Lana will lead our growing regional team and practice. She will manage relationships with our growing portfolio of regional clients and oversee engagement with government and regulatory bodies. She will also be responsible for business development initiatives and strengthening Aretera’s position as the leading advisory firm in Southeast Europe.

Key Takeaways from Czechia’s Parliamentary Elections

The main opposition ANO movement of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has won Czechia’s parliamentary elections, securing 34.5% of the popular vote and 80 of the 200 MP seats in the lower house parliament. ANO’s main rival, the three-party SPOLU alliance of centre-right Prime Minister Petr Fiala, finished a distant second with 23.4%. Four other parties/alliances passed the threshold to enter parliament. These include the Mayors and Independents (STAN) with 11.2%, the progressive-liberal Pirate Party with 9%, the hard Eurosceptic Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) with 7.8% and the right-wing populist Motorists for Themselves movement with 6.8%.

 

Talks are already underway to form an ANO-led minority government with support from the right-wing SPD and the Motorists. Considering the next composition of parliament, ANO will need both the SPD and the Motorists for the new cabinet to be confirmed by parliament during a confidence vote. An ANO-led minority government would see both the SPD and the Motorists granted some influence over the next government’s agenda.

 

If Babiš, also a billionaire with agribusiness interests, becomes PM, he will need to resolve a conflict of interest stemming from his links to the Agrofert Holding. Following the announcement of the election results, Babiš pledged to address the issue and has already presented several options to President Petr Pavel. If Babiš is unable to return as PM, ANO deputy leader Karel Havlíček is seen as a compromise option for the position. However, Pavel and Babiš discussed the issue post-election, with Babiš vowing to sever ties with his business empire, making Babiš’ return as PM more likely.

Key Takeaways from Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections

The pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) has won Moldova’s parliamentary elections, securing 50.2% of the popular vote and 55 of the 101 seats in the unicameral parliament. PAS has secured a stronger-than-expected result after pre-election polls put the party neck-and-neck with the main opposition (and pro-Russian) Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP), which came a distant second with just 24%.

 

Three other parties entered parliament, including the moderately pro-EU Alternativa Bloc with 8% (whose leadership includes the Mayor of Chisinau), the left-wing populist Our Party with 6.2% and the Romanian-Moldovan unionist Democracy at Home party (PPDA) with 5.6%. Russia allegedly sought to heavily interfere with the election through the illicit financing of pro-Russian formations and disinformation campaigns, to which Moldovan authorities responded by cracking down on alleged Russian operatives and banning parties with alleged financial connections to Moscow.

 

Informally led by President Maia Sandu, the ruling PAS, having defied pre-election polls, will now be able to form a government on its own. In line with Moldova’s constitution, Sandu will nominate a Prime Minister from the ruling PAS once the results are officially confirmed. The new PM will then have 15 days to form a government and seek a vote of confidence in parliament.

 

Under a new PAS-led government, Moldova will focus on the continuation of pro-EU reforms, sustained progress on EU accession talks and further alignment with EU regulation. International financial support, including EU grants and loans, will remain stable. This would also mean a more predictable business environment, with clearer rules and investment protection measures. At the same time, the new government will face a variety of challenges, including ensuring energy security and diversification, improving living standards in a stagnating economy, tackling inflation and potential ongoing security threats from the Kremlin.

Kyrgyzstan to Hold Snap Parliamentary Elections

Kyrgyzstan’s parliament has voted to dissolve itself to clear the way for snap parliamentary elections, scheduled for 30th November. Endorsed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, the snap election will be the first parliamentary electoral contest held under the country’s new, completely majoritarian election system. Under the new system, Kyrgyzstan’s electoral map will consist of 30 districts, with each to be represented by three MPs.

 

Elected in January 2021, President Zhaparov was first appointed Prime Minister and then assumed power as Acting President amidst civil unrest following the October 2020 parliamentary elections. Its results, which favoured the parties supporting former Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, sparked mass protests over alleged voter fraud, resulting in the resignation of Jeenbekov and several other government officials. He was later confirmed as President by a snap election in January 2021, securing nearly 80% of the vote. A snap parliamentary election followed later in 2021, resulting in a sweeping victory for pro-Zhaparov parties.

 

Observers suggest there are multiple reasons behind the decision to dissolve parliament. Locally, the dissolution of parliament is seen as a necessary continuation of ongoing administrative and territorial reforms to match the borders of territorial districts with electoral constituencies. Another possible reason is the need to legitimize the decisions taken by parliament as Kyrgyzstan continues to undergo significant political pressures, as suggested by alleged coup attempts in recent years. In addition, international observers note that the snap elections were also called to strengthen Zhaparov’s influence over parliament as Bishkek prepares for Presidential elections in 2027.

 

The upcoming election will likely produce a parliament that remains under strong influence from President Zhaparov, with significant changes to Kyrgyzstan’s party system unlikely. The formation of a new parliament does not necessarily entail the resignation of the government, however this does not rule out changes to the current cabinet.

Possible Scenarios for Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections

On 28th September, Moldova will hold parliamentary elections to elect the 101 members (MPs) of the country’s unicameral parliament. Less than four days before the elections, the ruling and pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is running neck-and-neck with the pro-Russian and main opposition Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP), with both formations polling at 30-35%.

 

In addition to the ruling PAS and the opposition BEP, only two other parties are projected to enter parliament. These include the centrist Alternativa Bloc of Chișinău Mayor Ion Ceban and the populist/left-wing Our Party of former Presidential candidate Renato Usatîi.

 

If the ruling PAS wins the election, the party is expected to enter into coalition talks with the moderately pro-EU Alternativa, however these negotiations could prove complicated due to the Alternativa’s leadership ambitions and pro-Russian political roots. Another scenario entails the pro-Russian BEP winning and moving to form a coalition with Usatîi’s Our Party. However, if the party underperforms at the polls, it may also have to reach out to the Alternativa Bloc.

 

Under a PAS-led government, Moldova would see the continuation of pro-EU reforms, sustained progress on EU accession talks, further alignment with various EU regulations and the acceleration of judicial and anti-corruption reforms. By contrast, a victory for the pro-Russian BEP would seek political and economic normalization with Moscow, greater access to the Russian market and cheaper Russian gas imports.

 

If no single party or bloc secures a majority, the expected political instability could lead to the formation of a technocratic government for an interim period, or a minority government. In the lack of an agreement to form a cabinet, Moldova will head for re-run parliamentary elections.

Possible Scenarios for Czechia’s Parliamentary Elections

On 3-4th October, Czechia will hold parliamentary elections to elect the 200 members (MPs) of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house of parliament). Less than three weeks before Czechia’s parliamentary elections, the main opposition ANO movement of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is comfortably leading in the polls, with 30% on average.

 

Eyeing a return to government after falling out of power in 2021, ANO has reemerged as the largest Czech political formation and won all recent electoral contests, including the Senate (upper house) and regional elections in 2024. The party’s main rival – Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s centre-right SPOLU alliance – is trailing in the polls and will rely heavily on the electoral performance of his current and former coalition partners.

 

Multiple parties are in the race for third place, including Fiala’s junior coalition partner (the centre-right STAN), the hard Eurosceptic SPD and the progressive-liberal Pirates. After falling out of parliament four years ago, the Left is expected to make a comeback through the newly formed Stačilo! coalition, while other radical right-wing parties, such as the Motorists, may also enter parliament.

 

While ANO is expected to win the election, whether it will be able to form a stable governing majority will depend on the performance of radical right-wing and far-left formations (or a combination of them). A less probable scenario could see Fiala’s four-party ruling bloc and the Pirates securing enough votes between them to form a majority, however this would require a stronger-than-expected performance from virtually all members of the current ruling bloc. Some polls claim approximately 30% of voters have yet to make up their minds, fuelling further uncertainty around the potential outcome.

Key Takeaways from Kazakhstan’s State-of-the-Nation Address

On 8th September, Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address. The President presented a series of political and economic reform proposals, centered around economic modernization, digitalization, institutional change and supporting Kazakhstan’s long-term resilience.

 

Devoting much of his address to the need to develop Kazakhstan’s tech and digital capabilities, Tokayev announced measures to support the wide-scale introduction of AI across the economy. Key measures include the adoption of a Digital Code, which will define priorities such as AI, the platform economy, big data and digital infrastructure. Tokayev also announced the establishment of a Ministry of AI and Digital Development.

 

Discussing other priority areas such as logistics, finance, the pharmaceutical sector, as well as water and land resources, Tokayev announced plans for a new banking law and creating a strategic cryptocurrency reserve. He also proposed establishing air traffic hubs that would be integrated into global supply chains and streamlining regulation impacting express cargo delivery. He urged shoring up domestic pharmaceutical production and announced several initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of water and other natural resources.

 

In power since 2019, Tokayev proposed a switch from the current bicameral legislative system to a unicameral parliament, with a possible constitutional referendum to confirm the changes in 2027. The President also aims to introduce a fully proportional parliamentary election system, meaning that the next parliamentary elections would involve party lists, elevating the role of political parties in decision-making. This will likely be accompanied by the launch of new political formations and the strengthening of current parliamentary parties.