Europe Day celebrated in Istanbul following Ankara

17.05.2025 PRESS AND INFORMATION TEAM OF THE DELEGATION TO TÜRKİYE

Following celebrations in Ankara, Europe Day was also celebrated in Istanbul with widespread attendance. The reception, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye at Beşiktaş Feriye, was hosted by Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, and his wife Anjellica Ossowski. The reception saw attendance by Nuri Aslan, Acting Mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and numerous representatives of foreign missions, civil society and the business community. The Europe Day reception highlighted the importance of historical, cultural and economic relations between the EU and Türkiye.

Ambassador Ossowski and Acting Mayor Nuri Aslan delivered the opening remarks.

"Together, we are building Europe; together, we are shaping the future"

Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, expressed his delight at celebrating the 75th Europe Day and recalled Europe's fundamental values:

"This journey began 75 years ago, firm in the belief that freedom, human dignity and democracy are not just values, but a way of life. These are the very values that guide us today."

Ambassador Ossowski highlighted the deep ties between Türkiye and the EU, emphasising that Istanbul is a symbol of these ties:

"Istanbul does not only unite continents but also histories, cultures and hopes. It reminds us every day that the European identity is not a wall, but a bridge."

The Ambassador particularly emphasised the EU-Türkiye economic partnership:

"The EU is Türkiye's largest trading partner, largest foreign investor and strongest supporter in terms of financial cooperation. Türkiye's young minds and dynamic initiatives are not only part of tomorrow's Europe, but also today's."

Addressing the issue of visa liberalisation, Ambassador Ossowski drew attention to the strong interest of Turkish citizens in travelling to Europe, stating the following:

"After China, Türkish citizens receive the highest number of Schengen visa. When Türkiye meets the agreed criteria, visa-free travel will be possible for Turkish citizens, as it is for all candidate countries."

Ambassador Ossowski highlighted Türkiye's diplomatic efforts, in particular its role in trying to mediate in the brutal war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine and the search for peace in the Middle East:

"Türkiye's peace efforts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are commendable. The crucial meetings that took place here this week could be important steps on the road to peace. It is our shared responsibility to end the suffering in Gaza and the war in Ukraine."

Concluding his speech by emphasising the importance of European values, Ossowski made the following appeal:

"Democracy, the rule of law, human rights and freedom are vitally important not only in Europe, but also in Türkiye; everywhere and for everyone. The future will be what we shape it to be. Come, let us build Europe together."

The evening continued with Sibel Tüzün, who represented Türkiye in the Eurovision Song Contest with her powerful voice, followed by the performance of DJ Barthez.

Special Europe Day Invitation

Celebrated for the first time in three different cities, the Europe Day events will take place as follows after the Ankara and Istanbul celebrations:

Gaziantep - The reception will be held on the evening of 23 May at the Zeugma Museum. The event will feature a concert by jazz vocalist Sibel Köse and guitarist Kâmil Erdem and will bring together distinguished Turkish and European jazz musicians.

Europe Day concerts continue

The Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, through the EU Information Centres, is organising celebrations for Europe Day, which will take place throughout the month. As part of the celebrations, Sibel Köse and Kâmil Erdem will perform in four cities in Türkiye.

City	Date	Venue
Kayseri	21 May	Kayseri Erciyes University - Sabanci Culture Centre
Gaziantep	24 May	Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce Auditorium
Şanlıurfa	26 May	Harran University Amphitheatre
Van	28 May	Tariria Culture, Art and Gastronomy Center