Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer marked Europe Day in May 2006 with a message expressing confidence that Türkiye would secure its rightful place in the European Union in the near future.
Sezer described the EU as the culmination of a civilization built on universal rights and freedoms, calling peaceful cooperation among European nations a singular and historic achievement.
The president said Türkiye's foremost goal was EU membership, which he linked directly to the welfare and happiness of its citizens. He argued that ongoing political, legal, economic, and social reforms were already raising living standards at home while strengthening the country's international standing and security.
Sezer pledged that Türkiye would continue meeting all required conditions for accession, and called on European partners to show equal commitment and sensitivity toward Türkiye's membership process.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.