Turkey criticized Greece’s decision to suspend operations at eight minority primary schools in Thrace for the 2026-2027 school year, saying the move violates provisions of the Lausanne Peace Treaty.
The Greek Education Ministry said the decision was based on insufficient student enrollment and was made under procedures applied when registrations fall below legal minimum thresholds.
Following the suspensions, the number of minority schools in Thrace will stand at 76.
In a statement, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli condemned “the decision of Greece to close eight more primary schools belonging to the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace” and said measures affecting enrollments at the 1st Turkish Minority Primary School of Xanthi reflected “systematic practices” aimed at weakening educational rights. He said the decisions constituted a violation of the treaty.
A senior Greek Education Ministry official rejected that claim, saying Greece applies the Lausanne Treaty and educational protocols through a support framework for minority education.
