In a recent report by investigative journalist Metin Cihan, it has been revealed that the European Union (EU) is funding projects of foundations and think tanks in Turkey that support Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. This revelation comes despite the Turkish government's tough stance on journalists and rights advocates who receive funds from abroad. Several foundations close to the Turkish government, including the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), the Service for Youth and Education Foundation of Turkey (TÜRGEV), the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), and the Önder Foundation of Science, Culture and Social Services, have received millions of euros from EU funds. State broadcaster TRT and the World Ethnosport Confederation, headed by Erdoğan's son, Bilal Erdoğan, have also received EU funds. These foundations have utilized the EU funds for various projects [cc35b0ef].
This revelation raises concerns about the EU's financial support for organizations that align with the Turkish government's agenda, particularly in light of the government's crackdown on independent journalists and its low ranking in the World Press Freedom Index. The proposed legislation in Turkey targeting 'agents of influence' further threatens journalists working for foreign-funded media and could lead to further restrictions on press freedom. The EU's funding of pro-Erdoğan foundations and think tanks in Turkey adds another layer to the complex relationship between the EU and Turkey, which has been strained in recent years due to various political and human rights issues [cc35b0ef].
The EU's financial support for foundations and think tanks aligned with the Turkish government's agenda raises questions about the EU's commitment to press freedom and human rights. Critics argue that this funding undermines the EU's credibility as a defender of democratic values and contributes to the erosion of media independence in Turkey. It also highlights the challenges of balancing diplomatic relations and human rights considerations in international affairs [cc35b0ef].