Message by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the occasion of 9 May Europe Day:
9 May Europe Day, when the Schuman Declaration which laid the foundations of the European integration was declared, is not only one of the symbols of the European Union but also a concrete indicator of the commitment to build a shared future based on peace, cooperation and mutual respect on our continent.
The founding principles of the European Union, established 76 years ago, are simultaneously challenged by multidimensional crises. The wars, political crises and economic challenges with global repercussions have made it compulsory for the European Union to pursue more inclusive and unifying policies.
Türkiye, as a candidate country to the European Union, remains an essential and indispensable component of this process. At the present juncture, it is evident that a European architecture in which Türkiye does not assume the place it rightfully deserves will remain incomplete and vulnerable in managing crises. As we have previously stated, the European Union’s need for Türkiye exceeds Türkiye’s need for the Union, and this need is expected to grow even further in the future.
Türkiye has the will to advance its relations with the EU on a win-win basis, based on the principle of pacta sunt servanda and its full membership perspective. We expect the European Union to demonstrate such sincere will, as well.
In this spirit, I hope that 9 May Europe Day may bring peace, prosperity, and solidarity on our shared geography. On the occasion of the Europe Day, I would like to extend my best wishes to all European peoples, and in particular to our citizens.