Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatens to say 'goodbye' to the EU unless they move Turkey's accession forward

President warns EU member states they must open 'new chapters' in talks on his country joining the bloc

Daren Butler
Wednesday 03 May 2017 12:04 BST
Comments
Picture:
Picture: (Getty Images / Adem Altan)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday the European Union must open new chapters in Turkey's accession process, otherwise Ankara had nothing to discuss with the bloc and would say “goodbye”.

His comments came after European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who oversees EU membership bids, told Reuters Turkey under Erdogan had turned its back on joining the bloc.

“From now on there is no option other than opening the chapters you have not yet opened. If you do not open (them), goodbye,” Erdogan said at a ceremony to mark his return to the ruling AK Party.

Copyright Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in