The EU’s Progress Report on Turkey’s Accession: A Glimmer of Light in the Tunnel, but Cyprus Remains the Main Obstacle

The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey’s progress toward full EU membership showed the country’s arduous accession process in a more positive light, but there will be no breakthrough until the Cyprus problem is resolved.

The report, released on 9 November, recognised advances, particularly as a result of the approval of constitutional reforms in September’s referendum, but pointed out deficiencies in various areas of fundamental rights, including press freedom.