Maria Chiara Piazza 🇪🇺🇮🇹

A free press is essential to democracy. Across the world, journalists are threatened, forced into exile, detained or killed for doing their job, as we have seen in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.  Disinformation and intimidation continue to undermine independent journalism and the public’s right to know. The EU will continue to defend press freedom at home and around the world. Read the full statement by the HR/VP @kajakallas on behalf of the EU: link.europa.eu/6qWdMh

A familiar face and a fresh start! 🇪🇺🇹🇷 Ambassador @AivoOrav arrives in Türkiye today to serve as the Head of EU Delegation to Türkiye. We are delighted to see you back in Ankara, where you previously served as Ambassador of Estonia. Welcome Mr. Ambassador.

Every year, I undertake a Ramadan solidarity visit. This time, I am in Türkiye to pay tribute to the generosity of the Turkish people, who have hosted the largest number of refugees during my mandates at the @UN.

Journalism has never been easy, but there are always opportunities for people who want to work in news media. @DiegoCupolo shares five tips from his conversations with journalism students in recent weeks: turkeyrecap.com/p/letter-from-…

The🇪🇺funded @ortaklasa_iksv showed how culture can bring civil society&municipalities together through shared creativity&purpose. Across🇹🇷, it helped turn municipal spaces into creative hubs, opened doors for participation&fostered lasting cooperation btw local governments&NGOs.

🎶 Thanks to EU support, the 'Sprouts of a New Life' music project has given 60 children in Hatay hope, confidence and a sense of community. Their voices demonstrate the healing power of art.💛🇪🇺 eeas.europa.eu/delegations/tü… 🇪🇺🇹🇷 @eu_eeas @eu_enlargement_

One of Sinop's important historical landmarks has been given a new life! The Sinop Historical Prison, after an extensive restoration carried out w/EU support under the project “Common Cultural Heritage: Preservation&Dialogue between🇹🇷&🇪🇺”, officially reopened today as a museum.

It was a pleasure 🙏 to attend #BIRN 🇪🇺meeting in Istanbul to discuss digital rights, including challenges/opportunities posed by AI and cybersecurity. Reflection is needed on the protection of #humanrights in the Internet ecosystem and the needs of civil society and journalists.

🧵 The BIRN team is in Istanbul, where we’re holding a roundtable discussion with local actors on “Reporting digital rights—regional scope local realities” as part of the European Union-funded “Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms” project. 🤝

We’re presenting #BIRN’s project findings and receiving input from Turkish internet governance stakeholders, including media representatives. The aim is to forge collaboration across all sectors regionally for a freer, safer, and secure online space in the Western Balkans and 🇹🇷.

Oggi celebriamo la Festa della Repubblica Italiana. Auguri all’Italia, alle italiane e agli italiani! 🇮🇹 Bugün İtalya’nın Cumhuriyet Bayramı. İtalya’ya ve İtalyanlara kutlu olsun! 🇮🇹

Digital platforms = new opportunities But also new challenges for: 🔹 Legal status 🔹 Social protection 🔹 Union rights With @EUDelegationTur and @csgbakanligi we’re exploring solutions to ensure no one is left behind. #DecentWork #SocialJustice #PlatformWorkers

AB Delegasyonundan meslektaşlarımız, bugün AB Delegasyonu’nun @Democracy4Media projesi tarafından finanse edilen "Dijital Tekeller, Tehditler ve Arayışlar" başlıklı Medya Konferansına katıldı.

Programa başvurular, 10 Nisan Perşembe gününden itibaren Goethe-Institut’un Hibe Başvuru Portalı üzerinden yapılabilecek. culture-civic.org @EUDelegationTur

Bir Avrupa Birliği projesi olan CultureCIVIC: Kültür Sanat Destek Programı, Goethe-Institut Istanbul yürütücülüğünde, Türkiye’de kültür-sanat alanında faaliyet yürüten sivil toplum kuruluşlarını, sanatçıları, inisiyatifleri desteklemeye devam ediyor! @EUDelegationTur

“ I call on Turkish authorities to protect independent journalism and uphold freedom of expression. The recent detentions, deportations, fines and broadcast bans on free press go against 🇹🇷 commitments and democratic tradition.”

The detention of Istanbul mayor @imamoglu_int gives rise to questions regarding Türkiye’s adherence to its long-established democratic tradition. Authorities should provide full transparency & uphold fundamental rights and rule of law, which are integral to EU-Türkiye relations.

The Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye has the open vacancy. For detailed information on the vacancy for funded traineeship for young graduates available at the Delegation of the European Union🇪🇺 to Türkiye 🇹🇷, please refer to page 👇🏻 eeas.europa.eu/eeas/funded-tr… 🇪🇺🇹🇷

Glad to be in Ankara today. Türkiye is a strategic partner for the EU, and there are good opportunities to deepen our cooperation. I am looking forward to meaningful discussions with political leaders and civil society to strengthen our ties.

Sharing my gratitude with the dedicated EU staff in Türkiye. You embody our EU-Turkish values of solidarity, generosity & humanity. You make a real difference. Special congratulations to Abdelaziz, Aysun, Ece & Umut for 20 years of outstanding service!