ε′ε at O(p4) in the chiral expansion

After updating the determination of the combination of Kobayashi-Maskawa elements $ \Im V_{td}V^*_{ts}$ according to our new estimate of the parameter $\hat B_K$, we study the CP-violating ratio $\epsilon'/\epsilon$ by means of hadronic matrix elements computed to $O(p^4)$ in the chiral expansion. It is the first time that this order in chiral perturbation theory is included. We also discuss the relevance of some $O(p^2)$ terms that are generally neglected in the calculation of the electroweak penguin matrix elements. The most important effect of this improved analysis is the substantial reduction (20%) of the leading electroweak penguin matrix element and accordingly a reduced cancelation between the electroweak and gluon penguin contributions. The ratio $\epsilon'/\epsilon$ is thus larger than previously estimated and its predicted value enjoys a smaller uncertainty. We find $\epsilon'/\epsilon = 1.7 ^{+1.4}_{-1.0} \times 10^{-3}$. Values positive and of the order of $10^{-3}$ are therefore preferred.