On targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye under national security pretexts

B100127/2026

European Parliament resolution on targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye under national security pretexts

(2026/2613(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 150 (5) of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to Article 38 of the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923,

– having regard to Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights,

– having regard to Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

A. whereas according to Alliance Defending Freedom International, Türkiye has expelled more than 200 Christian workers and their families, affecting roughly 350 individuals, since 2020; whereas Turkish officials have assigned security codes such as N-82 and G-87 to foreign Christians, arbitrarily labeling them as national security threats and banning their re-entry;

B. whereas Turkish law prohibits the training of Christian clergy and the establishment of institutions for religious education;

C. whereas according to BIA Media Monitoring Report, Turkish authorities arrested at least 29 journalists in 2025; whereas 58 journalists were detained or taken in for questioning; whereas three other journalists were put under house arrest for months, while dozens more where subjected to judicial supervision;

D. whereas Türkiye was ranked 159th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index;

1. Strongly condemns the systematic expulsion of foreign Christians;

2. Considers that governmental manipulation of administrative or immigration systems to exclude people solely for peacefully practicing their faith is a manifest violation of the freedom of religion;

3. Emphasises that the expulsions and the targeting of pastors, missionaries and lay leaders are part of a deliberate strategy, aimed at striking at the structural heart of Christian communities; is worried that by designating foreign missionaries and church leaders as threats to national security, the Turkish authorities not only stigmatise their activities but also Turkish Christians who worship;

4. Considers that the policy targeting Christians in Turkey has a negative impact on relations between the European Union and Turkey; stresses that Turkey is and remains an important strategic partner of the European Union, but that Turkey should not become a member of the European Union, which is why pre-accession assistance and EU accession negotiations should be ended;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the President, government and parliament of Türkiye.