When French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman called for the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community 72 years ago, he set in motion a process that was crucial for Europe and the world. As a result of this process, the European continent hosts an integration movement that has no equivalent in other continents. This integration movement, which has gone through various phases until today, has led to significant gains at the supranational level. However, it also faces serious problems and challenges.

Current phenomena such as populism, protectionism, radical nationalism, xenophobia, disinformation, irregular migration, income inequality, gender inequality, cross-border security threats, and inter-state and intra-state conflicts continue to pose problems for the unity and effectiveness of the EU. However, in today's competitive, uncertain, and rapidly changing world, one of the most important prerequisites for Europe's existence on the world stage lies in the ability of member states to take decisions and act as a whole on the basis of shared values.

Russia's attack on Ukraine and the start of an invasion movement pose a vital threat aimed squarely at European values and security. After intervening in Georgia in 2008 and annexing Crimea in 2014, Russia launched an invasion operation that directly threatens the integrity of a sovereign state. The war, which has been ongoing since on 24 February 2022, has shattered millions of lives, people have lost their lives, others had to leave their homes, and many have become refugees... This shows how fragile peace and security are and need to be actively protected and developed. It also reminds us that history still confronts us with bitter surprises in the middle of the 21st century.

At this critical turning point in history, Turkey-EU relations and Turkey's EU membership goal are perhaps more important than ever. Although it is seen by many as an outdated goal, it is obvious that an EU without Turkey is incomplete in terms of peace and security. Turkey's commitment to Europe's common values will breathe life into the EU in terms of achieving common EU goals such as common security and the European Green Deal and full European integration.

For Turkey, the EU objective that has been put on hold in recent years has led to a slowdown and regression in the reform process and has brought with it many problems. It is necessary to put the goal of a "democratic, free, fair, prosperous, and green Turkey" on the agenda for 2030 by sticking to the goal of membership again. Let's take action together again for a "Turkey within the EU" and a "European Turkey" on 9 May Europe Day.