Although there have been some improvements in terms of the independence of the judiciary the emergency courts system remains in place. In recent months there have been some more encouraging signs of democratisation. The government and Parliament have worked to adopt some keys laws regulating political life, the justice system and protection of human rights. It is too early to assess the impact of these measures but these efforts should be pursued and extended to all citizens, including those of Kurdish origin. The Commission hopes that the positive impact of these measures will not be undone by the carrying out of the death sentence passed on Mr Abdullah calan.
Turkey has many of the characteristics of a market economy.
It should be able to cope, albeit with difficulties, with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union, provided sustainable macroeconomic stability is attained and there is further progress towards the implementation of legal and structural reform programmes. Turkey has continued its consolidation policy and economic imbalances have been reduced. The public deficit and inflation have been reduced, the latter through a change in wage and price indexation. Pension reform has been approved by parliament. The efficiency of revenue collection procedures has been improved.