Message by Egemen Bagış, Minister For EU Affairs And Chief Negotiator on The Occasion of the Europe Day

PRESS RELEASE

MESSAGE BY H.E. EGEMEN BAGIS,

MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR

ON THE OCCASION OF THE EUROPE DAY, 9 MAY 2013

Türkiye once again celebrates Europe Day within the framework of its European Union perspective for the 14th time.

We consider it to be highly significant to once again commemorate the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 which was also the date of first celebration of Europe Day. We, as Türkiye, share the objectives and ideas put forward in this Declaration, in particular those aiming at world peace.

It would be contradictory to the spirit and founding philosophy of the European Union to view it as a homogenous and uniform entity sharing the same geography, religion and culture.

It should not be forgotten that such uniform approaches have swept Europe into darkness for years.

The European Union is a valuable idea emerging as a challenge to these uniform approaches and defending the claim that diversity can co-exist in harmony.

However, we regret to witness that the European Union unfortunately seems to have the tendency to move away from this thesis. We watch with apprehension the erosion of the values that the European Union represents.

A European Union moving away from justice and fairness, shutting its eyes to the truths, turning a deaf ear to the calls of peace, freedom and democracy will be remembered not as an entity that gives hope but as one that causes apprehension.

This is not a matter that we, as Türkiye, simply criticise and then step aside.

Türkiye has always had the will and capability to share and contribute to the solution of the problems of the European Union.

As a matter of fact, we welcome that the prominent figures in Europe clearly understand and boldly express Türkiye’s potential contributions to the European Union in the most recent period.

As a result of the steps taken determinedly by our Government in the past eleven years, Türkiye is today more integrated with Europe and closer to becoming an EU member than ever before.

It is out of the question for Türkiye to make concessions on progress and development, the rule of law, democracy, and freedoms or turn back from this path.

Unfortunately, it is obvious that Türkiye’s determination for the EU accession process is often not reciprocated and Türkiye does not receive the treatment it deserves.

After five consecutive EU Presidencies during which not a single chapter was opened, that one chapter will be opened to negotiations  during the Irish Presidency, that critical thresholds have been crossed on visa exemption and that positive messages are being given in relation to the forthcoming term support the hope that fairness will overcome  narrow-mindedness in Türkiye- EU relations. However, these developments and positive messages clearly need to be assisted by further concrete steps.

Türkiye is a natural member of the extended family of Europe and a European Union without Türkiye will be incomplete.

We announce respectfully to the press.