The proposed “agent of influence” bill under consideration by the Turkish Parliament poses a serious threat to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, press freedom, and the public’s right to information.

With vague language and harsh penalties, the bill risks being weaponized to silence dissent, treating government critics as spies and further undermining judicial independence.

As Turkey moves away from democratic standards, the EU must act decisively by urging the withdrawal of this legislation, prioritizing freedom of expression, and supporting civil society. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) is a signatory of the following letter:

Dear President von der Leyen,

We are writing to express our profound concern regarding the proposed “agent of influence” bill which has been under consideration by the Turkish Parliament. This draft legislation, initially presented to the Turkish Parliament in November and expected to be reintroduced before the end of the year, represents a significant threat to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and association, press freedom, and the public’s right to information.

The bill introduces a new offense titled “committing a crime against the security or political interests of the state,” and stipulates that individuals who commit crimes in line with the interests of, or under the direction of, a foreign state or foreign organization, that are against the security and political interests of the Turkish state, will face increased prison terms of three to seven years. However, the bill’s vague language and failure to clearly define its terms, coupled with Turkey’s lack of judicial independence, would enable courts to effectively treat government critics as spies.

The bill is the latest in a series of measures designed to suppress dissent, following the 2022 disinformation law that imposes censorship and punitive actions on journalists and platforms.

By tightening control over civic space, this bill moves Turkey away from the EU’s democratic standards. The EU must make it clear that such steps are incompatible with the core values of democracy, transparency, and fundamental rights that the EU upholds.

In this context, we call on the European Commission to:

Publicly call on Turkey to fully withdraw the bill: An official statement should emphasize the incompatibility of this legislation with democratic principles and the rule of law, and stress that any new legislation must align with international standards to protect freedom of expression, press freedom, and the legitimate activities of civil society.

Prioritize freedom of expression in EU-Türkiye relations: Ensure that press freedom and the protection of civil society remain central in all EU relations with Turkey.

Engage diplomatically and support civil society: Raise this matter at high-level dialogues with Turkey, and maintain the EU’s commitment to civil society, human rights and freedom of expression in Turkey.

This is a pivotal moment for the EU to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and human rights, not just within its borders but globally. Supporting the journalists, advocates, and citizens of Turkey who champion freedom and accountability is both a moral imperative and a reinforcement of the EU’s foundational values.

We trust that the European Commission will respond swiftly and effectively to this urgent challenge.

This open Letter was sent to:

Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission

CC: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy /
Vice President of the European Commission

CC: Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement

CC: Thomas Ossowski, EU Ambassador to Türkiye

Signed by
International Press Institute (IPI)
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Armãn PEN
ARTICLE 19 Europe
Articolo 21
Association of Journalists (GC)
Association for Monitoring Equal Rights (ESHİD)
Balkan Literary Herald (BLH)
Citizens’ Assembly – Turkey
Civil Rights Defenders (CRD)
Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ)
Croatian PEN
Çağdaş Hukukçular Derneği / Progressive Lawyers’ Association
Çanakkale Morpati Derneği
Danish PEN
Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Foreign Media Association Turkey (FMA Turkey)
Freedom House
Genç Düşünce Enstitüsü
Hak İnisiyatifi Derneği
Human Rights Association (İHD)
Human Rights Agenda Association (İHGD)
IFEX
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
IPS Communication Foundation / Bianet (IPS/BIA)
Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann
Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS)
Kadın Partisi
Kurdisch Enstîtu-Swîsre
Kurdish PEN
Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
Media and Migration Association (MMA)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
PEN America
PEN Català
PEN Esperanto
PEN International
PEN Melbourne
PEN Malawi
PEN Québec
PEN Sydney
PEN Türkiye
P24 Platform for Independent Journalism
Progressive Journalists Association (PJA)
San Miguel PEN
Swedish PEN
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
Truth Justice Memory Center
University Queer Research and LGBTI+ Solidarity Association (UniKuir)
Van STAR Women Association
Velvele Queer Media Collective
Vietnamese Abroad PEN
Yapay Gündem