Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2006 - 2007

Turkey made good progress on enterprise and industrial policy, particularly on the legal
establishment of an Investment Support and Promotion Agency. Privatisation, alignment of
the SME definition, and policy programming, also progressed. Alignment is well advanced.
Progress was made on regional policy and coordination of structural instruments, notably
with the adoption of the law establishing development agencies. However, the role and
functioning of these agencies raise some concern. Ownership and accountability need
improvement, including considering a repartition of competences between ministries at both
central and regional level . Alignment remained modest.
As regards the judiciary and fundamental rights some progress was made. Overall, there was
continued progress in the area of judicial reform. However, implementation of the new
legislation by the judiciary presents a mixed picture so far and the independence of the
judiciary needs to be further established. There has been some progress in the fight against
corruption, notably on increasing transparency in the public administration. However,
corruption remains widespread and anti-corruption authorities and policies are still weak. The
scope of parliamentary immunity is too wide. On fundamental freedoms, limited legislative
progress was made, though implementation of reforms continued.
In the area of justice, freedom and security, Turkey made progress on asylum, border
management, the fight against trafficking in human beings, customs and police cooperation.
Alignment is underway, but incomplete in areas such as migration, the fight against organised
crime, money laundering, as well as judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters.
Some further progress was made on science and research, notably in participating in EU
research programmes, and on budget allocations. Further good progress was made in
education and culture. Alignment in both areas is well advanced.
Alignment is on track as regards waste management and noise. On other aspects, including
international conventions, alignment in the area of environment remains low. Lack of progress
on horizontal legislation, in particular on trans-boundary issues and on public consultation, is
of increasing concern. Limited progress in transposing the acquis was achieved in the field of
air quality, nature protection and water quality. When implemented, the amended
Environmental Law will strengthen the institutional capacity. The track record on
enforcement is weak.
On consumer and health protection consumer protection improved, notably through the
introduction of a market surveillance system. The public health area also improved, in
particular by setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of
communicable diseases. However, in both areas implementation remained weak.
The Customs union has prepared Turkey for a high level of alignment in this area. However,
on some specific issues, such as free trade zones, customs duty relief, fight against counterfeit
goods, and post-clearance, legislation is not aligned. The customs administration needs
strengthening, including starting preparations for IT interconnectivity. .
Turkey reached an advanced level of alignment in the area of external relations. However,
alignment with the EU's Common Commercial Policy is not complete. Alignment with EU
Common Foreign and Security and Defence Policy continued. Turkey has intensified its
foreign policy activity in the Middle East, promoting regional stability. The border with
Armenia remains closed. Turkey participated in ESDP missions. However, Turkey’s
participation in ESDP continues to present difficulties. Turkey continues to block the
EN 54 EN