The impact of the harmonization packages on life in Turkey has been revolutionary. The first and immediate difference has been the start of an open debate on sensitive issues such as the death penalty, cultural rights and civilian-military relations. Turkey today is more open, more self-confident and freer than it was before December 1999. The harmonization packages changed existing legislation to improve human rights, strengthen the safeguards against torture and ill treatment, broadened freedom of expression and freedom of press, strengthened the freedom of association, assembly and demonstration, expanded cultural rights, reinforced gender equality and consolidated civilian democracy.