Erdoğan says Europe cannot be complete without Türkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Europe’s future political and security architecture would remain incomplete without Türkiye, urging the European Union to advance relations with Ankara on the basis of full membership.

In a message marking Europe Day on May 9, Erdoğan described the occasion as symbolising not only the European Union but also the broader goal of building a shared future across the continent, founded on peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.

He noted that the principles underpinning the EU’s foundation 76 years ago are now being tested by multiple crises, including wars, political tensions, and economic challenges. According to Erdoğan, these developments highlight the need for the EU to adopt more inclusive and unifying policies.

“Türkiye, as a candidate country for the European Union, remains an essential and indispensable part of this process,” he said.

Erdoğan argued that any European framework that excludes Türkiye would be inherently incomplete and less capable of effectively managing crises.

“As we have stated before, the European Union needs Türkiye more than Türkiye needs the Union, and this need will increase further in the future,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Türkiye is willing to advance its relationship with the EU on the basis of full membership, adherence to commitments, and a mutually beneficial approach, while expressing expectations of a similarly genuine commitment from the bloc.

Erdoğan also expressed hope that Europe Day would contribute to peace, stability, and solidarity across the region, extending congratulations to Turkish citizens and the people of Europe.

By Tamilla Hasanova