The European integration, the seeds of which were planted 70 years ago with the declaration of French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, is one of the leading examples of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity of our time. As we once again remember the cause-and-effect relationship of the Second World War, we come to appreciate how remarkable of a success the environment of camaraderie Europe has achieved. It should not be forgotten that the expressions of tolerance, freedom and equality, which we readily associate with the European Union, have in fact emerged as a result of many ordeals.

As the Marmara Group Foundation, we believe that union makes strength. We know that Turkey, which has adopted the principles of tolerance, modern science and enlightenment, and the European Union, which has been founded on these same values, share a common front against today’s challenges. We believe that we may overcome these dark times by transparent communication and sincere cooperation only, and in this sense, we continue to work enthusiastically on our Turkey-European Union joint efforts. Additionally, on this important day, we take pride in successfully executing the EU projects which we shoulder as the Marmara Group Foundation.