Since Turkey's accession talks have undergone hard times due to serious objections from some EU member states, in particular France, the European Commission has stepped up its advocating the importance of keeping Turkey on the path to Brussels. The Commission aims to remind EU countries of Turkey's strategic importance for the Union, an argument which had major influence after September 11 but has been scaled down recently.

In order to demonstrate the strategic importance of accession negotiations, the European Commission listed a number of areas highlighting Turkey's vital role in preserving the interests of the European Union. It describes Turkey as an energy hub and a bridge between the West and Muslim world, highlights peacekeeping missions and migration control as well as efforts for Middle East peace, support for Iraq, constructive contacts with Iran, high level trade with EU.

As to Turkey's relations with Armenia the European Commission said, "Meetings between high-level Turkish and Armenian officials have taken place. Furthermore, Turkey took the symbolic steps of inviting Armenian representatives to the funeral of assassinated Armenian editor Hrant Dink in January, and to the inauguration of the restored Armenian Church of the Holy Cross in Akhtamar in March. However, there have been no substantial developments on improving relations. Turkey has kept its border with Armenia closed," Turkish Daily News reports.