According to FT Deutschland, which has obtained a draft of the European Commission's upcoming report on Turkey, Ankara is in for a rough ride.
The report, to be published on 8 November, sees lack of progress in areas such as freedom of expression, the use of torture and in establishing civilian control over the military.
Another sticking point is Ankara's failure to allow Cypriot ships access to its ports. This could throw a spanner in the works for accession negotiations, since Cyprus could play its veto card. Corruption, insufficient judiciary independence and poor protection of minority rights also feature on the 'must-do-better' list. However, the report praises Ankara for judiciary training and for planning to establish an ombudsman's office to bolster citizens rights.
A recent poll has suggested that popular backing for EU membership is on the decline in Turkey (see EurActiv 25 October)
