EU inspires Turkey, deputy prime minister says

ISTANBUL

The EU is a “reference, source of inspiration and anchor” for the rule of law, democracy and freedoms, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Tuesday.

“That’s why the European Union accession process itself is an important reform for Turkey,” he told an Istanbul forum on public debt management.

Simsek, who is responsible for the Turkish economy, said EU accession negotiations that began in 2005 had seen Turkey reform a number of areas of legislation. These talks have intensified in recent months as both sides tried to contain the refugee crisis, he added.

Turning to the economy, Simsek said Turkey would try to reduce its large current account deficit - currently around 4.5 percent of GDP - through structural reforms.