European Commissioner for Equality, Ms Helena Kos, has raised concerns over the alleged discriminatory expulsion of foreign Protestants in Türkiye, calling for compliance with international human rights law. In a written answer on behalf of the European Commission, Ms Kos responded to a parliamentary question from MEPs Tomislav Sokol (PPE) and Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR), who highlighted expulsions carried out under Türkiye's national security code without proper judicial recourse. The Commissioner stressed that measures affecting freedom of religion must be proportionate, justified, and accompanied by judicial remedies, and cannot be treated solely as national security issues. The answer references ongoing cases at the European Court of Human Rights and calls for adherence to Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
This response follows the European Commission's broader stance on Türkiye's compliance with EU accession criteria, including fundamental rights. On April 8, 2026, High Representative Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to upholding international law and EU sovereignty in response to Türkiye's issuance of a long-term NAVTEX in disputed Aegean maritime zones. That answer emphasized Türkiye's obligation to respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the sovereignty of EU Member States, and encouraged dispute resolution through the International Court of Justice. Both answers signal the EU's expectation that Türkiye align with international legal norms as part of its accession process.
Ms Kos's statement does not unveil new policy plans, numerical targets, or institutional mechanisms, but reiterates the EU's position that religious freedom is a fundamental right. It references existing reports and legal frameworks, and indicates that the issue will remain on the agenda within the EU-Türkiye dialogue sub-committee. This institutional follow-up confirms that religious freedom and rule of law practices will be consequential for Türkiye's EU accession process, serving as a benchmark for democratic standards enforcement. The Commission's stance positions it against policies that obscure potential religious discrimination behind immigration enforcement, and places Türkiye under increased scrutiny to reform its practices. Foreign Protestant communities gain advocacy and protection hopes, while Turkish authorities may view tighter EU oversight as intrusive.
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