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

Picture: (Getty Images / Adem Altan)

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