| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Communication |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Memo |
| Series Details | MEMO/13/895 (16.10.13) |
| Publication Date | 16/10/2013 |
| Content Type | News, Overview |
|
The European Commission's 2013 Progress Report on Turkey, adopted on 16 October 2013 highlights a number of important steps taken by Turkey over the past 12 months, notably the adoption of a fourth judicial reform package and the start of a peace process to end terrorism and violence in the Southeast of the country. At the same time, the report emphasises the pressing need to develop a truly participatory democracy, able to reach out to all segments of society, as well as the clear requirement to further amend criminal legislation and reform its interpretation by the courts so as to ensure respect for fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. These issues underline the importance for the EU to enhance its engagement with Turkey, especially on fundamental rights, so that it remains the benchmark for reforms in the country. Shortly after the release of this report, the European Union governments agreed to hold a new round of accession talks with Turkey on 5 November 2013, after Germany dropped its opposition voiced after Ankara's crackdown on anti-government protests earlier in that year. |
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| Source Link | http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-895_en.htm |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Turkey |
