May 1 will be a milestone in the history of Europe,

In the future Turkey will be even more important for Europe,

This measure will reduce the amount of toxic mercury entering the waste stream. This is good for our citizen's health and the environment.

This is only a first step. The experience we will get will help us to replace animal testing also in the area of research and development,

Democratic structures and the rule of law have on the whole been strengthened. Protection of human rights has continued to improve.

In the new global situation, our strategy is more justified than ever,