In a message marking Europe Day, Erdogan said the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations of European integration, is both a symbol of the EU and a reflection of “the commitment to build a shared future based on peace, cooperation and mutual respect on our continent," according to Turkey’s Communications Directorate on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Anadolu Agency reported.
He said that the EU’s founding principles, established 76 years ago, are now being tested by multiple global crises, including wars, political instability, and economic challenges.
Erdogan further said the wars, political crises, and economic challenges with global repercussions have made it compulsory for the EU to pursue more inclusive and unifying policies, adding that Turkey remains an “essential and indispensable” part of this process as a candidate country.
He also said that Turkey is committed to advancing its relations with the EU on a “win-win basis” based on mutual obligations and a full membership perspective, adding that Ankara expects the bloc to show the same sincere will.
“As we have previously stated, the European Union’s need for Turkey exceeds Turkey’s need for the bloc, and this need is expected to grow even further in the future,” he said.
He said he hopes Europe Day will bring peace, prosperity, and solidarity across the region, and extended his best wishes to European peoples and Turkish citizens.