Bold and significant reforms have been undertaken in Turkey in the last couple of years. However, the pace of change has slowed in 2005 and even though there is progress in implementation it still remains uneven. Therefore, significant further efforts are needed,
The agreement between the member states paves the way for a smooth adoption of the negotiating framework and thus the opening of the accession negotiations with Turkey on Oct. 3,
This is a litmus test whether Turkey is seriously committed to the freedom of expression and reforms that enhance the rule of law and benefit all Turkish citizens.