The European Union is accelerating plans to improve ties with Turkey aimed at strengthening trade relations next year even as Ankara is increasingly looking toward rival multilateral groups after becoming frustrated with a lack of progress with Brussels.
The bloc is working on a three-stage plan that would increase the number of high-level meetings, relaunch operations of the European Investment Bank in the country and culminate with new talks to modernize the customs union between both sides, according to people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive talks.