The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, says:

“Today, two years have passed since the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, which has brought unspeakable suffering and pain to Turkish citizens and everyone who lived in the affected region. The European Union stood in solidarity with Türkiye. We deployed rescue teams. We also mobilised international financial aid to come to the assistance of the people.

But we also know that the efforts are not yet finished. On the contrary, we have to continue to provide solidarity and assistance because people are still suffering by the circumstances and conditions created by the earthquake. The loss of family members and friends is still very much present. 

We also have to continue to support our friends and partners in re-establishing good conditions, for taking back the normal life, for living in good conditions. I would like to reaffirm the European solidarity, the solidarity of the European Union for Türkiye as a candidate country to the European Union.”

Revisiting Anatolian tour of Antakya Civilizations Choir

Two years after the earthquakes, we are re-sharing the footage from 2023, when the Antakya Civilizations Choir—accompanied by the radiant glow of seven candles, symbolising its seven members lost in the disaster—embarked on a remarkable Anatolian tour.

Organised by the European Union Information Centres (EUIC) for Europe Day, these concerts in eight cities carried the voices of earthquake victims and the message of solidarity in rescue, recovery, and reconstruction.

The European Union supported many areas, including the arts, to help build resilience in the aftermath of the disaster. Today, we look back on this powerful project and honour the enduring strength of the survivors.

This is original footage from 2023, reshared in remembrance: