Turkey 2008 progress report. Commission staff working document.

Abstract

Following the conclusions of the Luxembourg European Council in December 1997, the Commission has reported regularly to the Council and the Parliament. This report on progress made by Turkey in preparing for EU membership largely follows the same structure as in previous years. The report: –briefly describes the relations between Turkey and the Union; –analyses the situation in Turkey in terms of the political criteria for membership; –analyses the situation in Turkey on the basis of the economic criteria for membership; –reviews Turkey's capacity to assume the obligations of membership, that is, the acquis expressed in the Treaties, the secondary legislation, and the policies of the Union.The period covered by this report is from 1 October 2007 to early October 2008. Progress is measured on the basis of decisions taken, legislation adopted and measures implemented. As a rule, legislation or measures which are under preparation or awaiting Parliamentary approval have not been taken into account. This approach ensures equal treatment across all reports and permits an objective assessment.