Message of the Rector of our University Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar on the occasion of Marmara European Week:

European Union accession process, which is one of the most important steps in the foreign policy of the Republic of Turkey has exceeded half a century and continues today Turkey’s membership negotiations. The European Union has a special importance in terms of ensuring that peoples coexist peacefully on a continent where two great wars erupted. The idea of a united Europe goes back a long time. The first concrete step in this matter was taken in partnership with trade and economy in the 1950s and has turned into a prominent integration process in the world over time.

Although the European Union is facing various problems today, it is seen as an economic center of attraction. Due to its geographic proximity and economic and social relations, the European Union has special importance for Turkey. Turkey is also an extremely important and reliable partner for the European Union.

Although today is experiencing particular difficulties in the process of Turkey's membership to the European Union, though, Turkey's membership also has a special importance for both sides. The main reason for the difficulties are Turkey’s geographical location and demographic structure have a much greater impact on the issue to the extent of other candidate countries so far.

Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar