Opening of new chapter raises Turkey's EU hopes

Turkey has set to revive its efforts to join the European Union by beginning to discuss and negotiate on a new chapter on Dec. 14, as part of a major deal to help Europe solve its migration crisis.

The bloc and Ankara accelerated the process after signing a deal to stem the flow of refugees from Turkey to the EU. The opening of Chapter 17, one of 35 in the EU's membership talks, marks not just the first formal discussions since 2013 but what many in Brussels see as a fresh start for EU-Turkey ties after years of uneasy relations, according to Turkish and European officials. 

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet ?im?ek, in Brussels for the opening of a new accession chapter with the European Union, said he expected quick progress on bringing Ankara in line with the EU's economic and monetary policy.

"Turkey does not have major shortcomings regarding this chapter," ?im?ek, who is also in charge of the economy in the new Turkish government, told a news conference, as quoted by Reuters. 
Turkey's opening of a new accession chapter with the EU was important for investment and prosperity, but reviving relations with the EU was the key point, ?im?ek said. 

Revival of ties 'key' for Turkey 

He noted the re-launching of the EU process would be of great importance in reviving investor interest in Turkey. 

"The reviving of relations with the EU is the key point for us? This process is of great importance for realizing critical reforms. There is not another region other than the EU that we can be inspired by in maintaining institutions of high quality," ?im?ek noted. 

"Turkey and the EU will get closer with each other. We want to deepen our ties with the EU. Turkey is ready to fulfil all criteria. We have...