Source: European Parliament
22.10.2025
Question for written answer E-004148/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)
On 17 October 2025, the Turkish authorities banned Greek journalist Nikos Aslanidis from entering the country. Part of a delegation from the Journalists’ Union of Macedonia and Thrace, Aslanidis had intended to visit Istanbul to meet the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. At the border, the journalist was informed that he was considered a persona non grata, a danger to the country, without any clear justification.
Aslanidis is well known for his long professional career and his investigative work on Pontic Greeks. This demonstrates the Turkish authorities’ illiberal understanding of journalism and constitutes a direct violation of journalists’ right to move, investigate and impart information without restrictions.
Given that freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental values of the European Union, and given that Türkiye is a candidate country for accession, with clear commitments in the field of fundamental rights, will the Commission say:
- 1.What is its view on this incident in relation to the general situation of press freedom in Türkiye?
- 2.Does it intend to raise this issue in its official contacts with the Turkish authorities, asking for an explanation as to why Aslanidis was denied entry?
- 3.What instruments and mechanisms does it intend to use to make it clear that such practices are incompatible with European values and the obligations of a candidate country?
Submitted: 22.10.2025