The First Meeting of the Reform Action Group (RAG)

Political reforms constitute one of the most important elements of the EU accession process, the biggest modernization project after the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. The fundamental aim is to develop a more efficiently functioning judicial system based on more liberal and pluralist democracy and to further promote respect for human rights within the scope of global standards by all citizens.

Reform Monitoring Group (RIG) meetings, last of which was held in Erzurum on 23 July 2014, were replaced by the Reform Action Group (RAG) following the approval of the Council of Ministers. With the formation of Reform Action Group, a new period has been launched. The Reform Action Group, from now on, will not only monitor the political reform process, but also will actively engage in preparation of the reform drafts, enactment phase of the legislation and in the implementation phase.

The first meeting of the Reform Action Group will take place in Ankara on 8 November 2014 with the participation of the Minister of Justice, Mr. Bekir Bozdağ, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Mr. Volkan Bozkır, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and Minister of Interior, Mr. Efkan Ala. During the meeting, which is hosted by the Ministry of Justice and coordinated by the Ministry for EU Affairs, the developments with regard to Political Criteria, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights (Chapter 23) and Justice, Freedom and Security (Chapter 24) in the context of the membership process of Türkiye to the EU will be evaluated and the priority issues regarding the current developments for the upcoming period will be elaborated.