ANKARA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on the European Union to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could undermine Trkiye's "constructive stance," saying "strategic myopia" toward the country "persists unfortunately and quite visibly" across many of the bloc's institutions.

Erdogan made the remarks during his address to the nation following a weekly cabinet meeting, saying the issue is not where Trkiye stands but where the EU sees itself in the future.

He added that Europe needs Trkiye more than Trkiye needs Europe, a need he said will increase "even further."

On Trkiye's EU membership process, which has been ongoing since 1959, Erdogan said the bloc took a biased stance toward Trkiye's bid.

Despite "the many double standards Trkiye has faced," he said the country has persisted in its efforts toward full membership and maintains close contacts with EU institutions and member states.

Erdogan noted that deep-rooted prejudices against Trkiye among certain circles in Europe have never been overcome since Trkiye's initial application in 1959, with Europe at times targeting Turkish democracy, economy, population, or faith as excuses to slow down the membership process.

"Each time, they always found a pretext to exclude Trkiye, slow down Trkiye's full membership process, and keep Trkiye waiting at the door," he said.

"Let it not be forgotten that Trkiye is no longer the old Trkiye, nor is the world still confined to the sphere of influence of Western states," Erdogan said.

He said Trkiye has changed, transformed, and strengthened its economy and democracy, but that these circles' distorted approach toward the country has not changed.

Trkiye hopes that European decision-makers will abandon their political and historical prejudices and focus on developing sincere, genuine, and equal relations, said Erdogan.

"The winner of such a relationship will be the European continent, of which Trkiye is an inseparable part. Guided by the highest interests of our nation, we will continue walking this path patiently, with dignity, with a clear conscience and our heads held high," he said.