Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the European Union for disseminating "discrimination, cultural racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia" in its message on the occasion of Europe Day, which is celebrated in the EU countries on May 9, Anadolu reports..

In his address, Erdogan said that the greatest threat to the future of the EU is the growing influence of the ultra-right forces.

"Unfortunately, such social ills as discrimination, cultural racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia are rapidly spreading on the European continent. The ultra-right parties seize the socio-political life of Europe, "Erdogan said..

He expressed readiness to continue the process of accession to the EU, but negotiations should be conducted "within the framework of mutual respect and equality". At the same time, he recalled the role that Ankara plays in addressing the migration crisis.