Europe Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration that initiated European integration, holds significance for Türkiye since its approval for European Union membership candidacy in 1999.

President Erdoğan emphasized that while Europe Day symbolizes political and economic integration in Europe, it also highlights the peace and stability achieved through joint efforts over decades.

However, Erdoğan expressed concerns over various challenges, including wars, conflicts, terrorist acts, and irregular migration, which threaten the order in Europe and the world at large.

He noted the rise of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism across Europe as primary sources of concern for Turkish citizens and migrants in Europe, citing normalization of discrimination and hate crimes against the European Turkish Community.

Erdoğan criticized European policies on the Gaza crisis, expressing that trust in European values has been shaken by their approach to the conflict, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of Palestinian lives, including children.

Amidst ongoing crises affecting Europe and the common geography, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of inclusive, cooperation-centered, and fair policies in the larger European geography and the Mediterranean basin.

Erdoğan called for expanding cooperation between Türkiye and the EU in all areas, including accession talks, urging the EU to maintain relations with Türkiye based on mutual agreements and a result-oriented approach.

He warned against exclusionary policies towards Türkiye, emphasizing Türkiye's readiness to utilize strategic means and capabilities to counter such policies.

Erdoğan concluded by expressing Türkiye's readiness to cooperate towards a more prosperous, collaborative, and transparent Europe, wishing a happy Europe Day to all Europeans, especially Turkish citizens. (ILKHA)