The European Union Commission has published today its progress report on Turkey.

The report emphasizes the “pressing need to develop a truly participatory democracy able to reach out to all segments of society.” A clear reference to the stalling process for the solution of the Kurdish question.

The report also added there is a requirement to further amend criminal legislation and reform its interpretation by the courts to ensure respect for fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

“The accession process remains the most suitable framework for promoting EU-related reforms in Turkey” said the report.

The report welcomed the judicial reform package and the democratization package recently presented by the government and reiterated its support to the talks with Kurdish leader Ocalan.
The report at the same time stressed that the political climate continued to be marked by polarization pointing out that the problem might lie with “an understanding of democracy that relies exclusively on a parliamentary majority, rather than a participative process.”

As for the Gezi protests last May and June, the report criticized the police's use of excessive force, following previous criticism by different bodies of the EU.