EU: "In view of the overall progress of reforms attained... the Commission considers that Turkey sufficiently fulfils the political criteria and recommends that accession negotiations be opened.
The irreversibility of the reform process, its implementation in particular with regard to fundamental freedoms, will need to be confirmed over a longer period of time.
"Turkey is undertaking strong efforts to ensure proper implementation of these reforms. Despite this, implementation needs to be further consolidated and broadened. This applies specifically to the zero tolerance policy in the fight against torture and ill-treatment, and the strengthening and implementation of provisions relating to freedom of expression, freedom of religion, women's rights, trade union rights and minority rights. The authorities have adopted a zero tolerance policy towards torture and a number of perpetrators of torture have been punished. Torture is no longer systematic, but numerous cases of ill treatment including torture still continue to occur and further efforts will be required to eradicate such practices. ...
"Turkey's accession would be different from previous enlargements because of the combined impact of Turkey's population, size, geographical location, economic, security and military potential. These factors give Turkey the capacity to contribute to regional and international stability... Much will depend on how the EU itself will take on the challenge to become a fully fledged foreign policy player in the medium term in regions ... characterised by instability and tensions, including the Middle East and the Caucasus.
"It is in the interest of all that the current transformation process continues. Turkey would be an important model of a country with a majority Muslim population adhering to such fundamental principles as liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law...
"The Commission will recommend the suspension of negotiations in the case of a serious and persistent breach of the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which the Union is founded.