The announcement of Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950 with the idea of a unified Europe has set the grounds for the European Union of today. With the strong belief that a unified Europe is indispensable for peace, the first steps for the integration of Europe have been taken through the Milan Summit decision of May 9, 1985, which is celebrated as Europe Day in Europe that unite with their differences on the basis of tolerance and understanding.

As a result of a success story that started with economic integration gradually bringing political integration, European Union has become a significant international actor bringing together the countries, which share common values such as democracy, human rights and rule of law in line with the aim of realization of peace, welfare, stability and security. Turkey, being a European country that has adopted the above mentioned values, is a significant part of the European Union and will contribute to the enrichment of the Union that has been established on the basis of “togetherness in discrepancies” with its full accession in near future.

The integration process of Turkey with Europe started and goes on in accordance with the target set by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk that is; reaching the level of contemporary civilizations. With the revolution-like reforms in recent years, Turkey has taken significant steps on the road to full membership and joined EU at a strategic target today.

The transformations in political, legal, economic and social fields realized within the framework of accomplishment of EU Acquis Communitaire and realization of Copenhagen criteria raised the life conditions of our citizens and improved the international reputation, economic power and reliability of our country. On the other hand, Turkey carries importance for EU with its growing economy, young population and geo-strategic position that will contribute to energy security of the Union.  Membership of Turkey, being an example of conciliation of Islam and democracy will abolish the concerns on conflict between civilizations in the Europe of future and play a crucial role for the world peace, stability and welfare. Turkey is a regional power with strategic importance in its relations with the immediate area and neighbors with its constructive and proactive role in the solution of the regional problems and is the unique path in front of EU to become a legitimate and serious political actor at global platform. In summary, Turkey will further strengthen EU with political, economic, cultural, social, defense and security dimensions and therefore contribute to the peace, stability and harmony in the world. Consequently, the full accession of Turkey rests on mutual benefits. In this context, for the successful completion of the membership process with the purpose of accomplishment of necessary reforms, we will continue to work on without a break as AK Party. We expect the European Union to be loyal to its commitments and to fulfill its responsibilities in order to attain concrete progress in the negotiations. For this reason, continuation of the negotiations through abiding by the spirit of the Negotiation Framework Document of 2005 carries utmost importance. Every country involved in the negotiations with EU has become a member. Our will on Turkey becoming a full member as result of these negotiations is strong and unchanged. Turkey is a regional power with strategic importance in its relations with the immediate area and neighbors with its constructive and proactive role in the solution of the regional problems and is the unique path in front of EU to become a legitimate and serious political actor at global platform.

As a South East European and with these emotions and thoughts in mind, I would like to celebrate Europe Day of all Europeans.