Why the EU is essential — and why Türkiye belongs in the bloc

I was just eight when I first glimpsed what cooperation between Türkiye and Europe could look like—not through treaties or official speeches, but through a family story.

It was the day my aunt’s husband left Manisa, an industrious town in Western Türkiye, to work in Germany. He returned years later with knowledge, skills, and tools that helped our local community flourish. That is the promise of a truly meaningful partnership.

Later, in my political career, I observed the volatile relationship between Türkiye and the European Union—a journey marked by both hope and frustration.

From the 1999 Helsinki Summit, when Türkiye was granted candidate status, to the 2010s, when negotiations stalled, our path toward full EU membership has been uneven. Missteps and mistrust have occurred on both sides.

Today, however, the world is changing rapidly. The war in Ukraine, the rise of authoritarianism and far-right extremism, and renewed debate over Europe’s security and global role reveal an urgent truth: Türkiye and Europe must build a common future.

9 May, Europe Day, offers a moment to ask a critical question: What kind of partnership do we want? One defined by short-term transactions and political expedience? Or one rooted in enduring values, shared responsibility, and mutual trust?

Foundation for a renewed Europe

In a world where democracy is under siege, multilateralism is weakening, peace is no longer a given, and global trade faces protectionist threats, the European Union’s moral clarity and democratic commitment are more important than ever.

Yes, the EU is under pressure. Populism tests its unity. Migration challenges its compassion. The war in Ukraine demands resilience and resources. Yet precisely in times like these, the EU must double down on its founding principles.

As emphasised in former Italian Prime Minister and former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi’s report and the Commission’s “Competitiveness Compass,” the EU must act swiftly to sustain prosperity and global relevance in the face of rising competition from the US and China.

I firmly believe that a dynamic and democratic Türkiye—one committed to the rule of law and human rights—will play a vital role in a mutually stronger future.

As the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the oldest party of the Turkish Republic and a standard-bearer of its social democratic tradition, I affirm that the future we envision for Türkiye is fundamentally aligned with Europe’s values.

Our agendas converge in four critical areas: a social Europe that shields its citizens from inequality and insecurity; an inclusive Europe that respects dignity and integrates diversity; a sustainable and innovative Europe where green transition and digital innovation go hand-in-hand; and a dignified Europe where all can live freely, safely, and with opportunity.

These are not abstract ideals. They are the foundation for a renewed Europe, and they reflect the aspirations of the Turkish people.

A democracy built on equality

My vision for Türkiye is one of a democratic republic built on rule of law, secular governance, human rights, and equality.

Gender equality is not a slogan—it is a governing principle. We will rejoin the Istanbul Convention without delay. We are committed to realizing Türkiye’s historical potential; a country where no child is deprived of education, no family denied healthcare, no citizen excluded from justice.

Following the 31 March 2024 local elections, in which our party emerged as the leading political force, we are advancing a vision of empowered local democracy. Strong municipalities make for a strong democracy. Transparent, participatory governance is not just a method—it is a promise to our citizens from which we derive our own legitimacy.

I must also express concern that the EU-Türkiye relationship has, at times, devolved into a transactional arrangement—most notably around migration. This neither honors Europe’s values nor reflects Türkiye’s contributions.

Our country currently hosts over five million refugees and migrants, largely from Syria but also from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran, and Iraq. Despite limited means, the Turkish people have shown unmatched generosity.

Türkiye also has one of the youngest populations on the continent—a potential engine of renewal and innovation. Yet in recent years, young people have emigrated in large numbers, discouraged by injustice and authoritarianism. Their talents have been stifled. We intend to reverse that trend.

Since 19 March, when Istanbul’s elected mayor and our presidential candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was unjustly detained, young people have risen in peaceful protest—not for a party, but for principles: judicial independence, electoral fairness, and democratic renewal. They are not a threat. They are our biggest source for hope of a better future.

We believe in their future. We believe in their return. We believe in a Türkiye they will want to come back to. A Türkiye that offers not only opportunity, but dignity.

Either all of us together, or none of us at all

One of the slogans we often use in our struggle is inspired by Bertolt Brecht: No salvation alone—either all of us together, or none of us at all. Solidarity is not a choice. It is a necessity.

This is a defining moment for Europe. The EU must not look away from Türkiye—a founding member of NATO, a member of the Council of Europe and the OECD, and a long-standing candidate for EU accession. Europe must not ignore Türkiye’s young people, its democratic determination, or the opportunity for a renewed partnership grounded in shared values.

On this Europe Day, let us go beyond ceremonial words. Let us remember why the EU was built: to heal division, defend democracy, and secure peace. The inclusion of Türkiye in that mission is not a concession—it is a completion.

Let this be the generation that chooses unity over exclusion, principles over convenience, and vision over fear.

Let us shape a Europe that is truly whole.

Happy Europe Day.

Özgür Özel is the leader of Türkiye’s Republican People’s Party (CHP).