Sixty nine years have passed since the announcement of the Schuman Declaration, which aimed to achieve lasting peace in Europe and create a more integrated Europe. The progress made since then is undeniable. However, we must not forget that we need to spend even greater efforts to maintain what we have gained and to advance further.

The European Project faces many challenges today. While global uncertainties, Xenophobia, anti-Islam and populistic tendencies are increasing, universal values and the future of the Union face many threats.

Turkey has to this day made various sacrifices for the security of Europe and has contributed significantly to stability and prosperity on the Continent. However, Turkey’s genuine contribution to Europe will be possible through its full membership to the EU.

Europe is at a crossroads today. The EU will either become a global power and adopt the necessary visionary approach or yield to the dynamics of internal politics arising from populist and extremist movements. The second approach, with no doubt, will push Turkey away from the EU.

Turkey maintains its commitment to full membership in the EU which it has set as a strategic objective. The EU needs to look at Turkey and the values that it will contribute to the EU from a wider perspective and respond appropriately.

The Schuman Declaration begins with the sentence “world peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” As European peoples today, we need to work together to find creative solutions to challenges threatening the European Project and make more efforts to strengthen and promote our values. Turkey is ready to contribute to the EU to further this aim.

I would like to congratulate 9 May Europe Day, which has been celebrated in our country as well since the endorsement of Turkey’s candidacy to the EU membership in 1999.