The European Parliament has adopted a resolution strongly condemning Turkey’s expulsion of Christian missionaries and foreign religious workers, sharply criticizing Ankara’s use of opaque “national security” classifications to bar peaceful Christian workers from entering or returning to the country. The non-binding resolution was approved on 12 February 2026 with overwhelming support, garnering 502 votes in favor, two against, and 59 abstentions during a late-evening debate.
Lawmakers voiced alarm that missionaries who have lived and served in Turkey for years—some for decades—have been labeled as threats and denied reentry under administrative codes lacking transparency or effective legal remedy. According to Christian advocacy group ADF International, at least 160 foreign Christian workers and their families have been expelled or denied reentry in recent years.
During the parliamentary debate, Croatian Member of the European Parliament Tomislav Sokol warned that Turkey’s expulsions reflect a serious violation of religious freedom, describing them as persecution through administrative bans and deportations. He stressed that Europe’s credibility depends on defending freedom of religion everywhere, without double standards.
The adopted text urges Ankara to ensure national security measures are not applied arbitrarily, to guarantee freedom of religion or belief, and to respect international human rights obligations.
Turkey’s foreign ministry rejected the resolution, calling the accusations contrary to the facts and asserting that no foreign institution can interfere in its judicial processes.
The resolution comes amid ongoing tensions between the European Union and Turkey over democratic standards, human rights, and the rule of law, underscoring concern over the treatment of religious minorities and freedom of belief.