The European Commission, though recognizing the great progress made by the Turkish government in the pre-membership phase, considers that a lot more still has to be done to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria and formally open membership negotiations. In particular, in the economic field the EU is asking for the removal of numerous trade barriers, the free circulation of industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, and greater access for foreign investments. From the viewpoint of the legal system, the major concerns are its non-conformity with EU regulations in terms of the jurisdiction and functioning of the State Security Tribunals, and the still excessive degree of jurisdiction of the military courts over civilians. Respect for human rights has undoubtedly improved: in spite of that, the death penalty has only been officially abolished in peacetime and Turkey continues to flout most of the sentences of the European Court of Human Rights. Restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and religious practice are also reported. G.A.G.
