Securing sustainable, reliable and affordable energy supplies is a major challenge for Europe today. There is an urgent need for diversification and investment. Turkey has a key role to play in the diversification of energy-supply routes to Europe. Gas and oil pipeline projects from the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caspian and also Northern Africa can significantly increase fuel supplies to both Turkey and the EU. To mobilize the necessary investments, it's necessary to create the right conditions and work closely together.

In January, the European Commission tabled a comprehensive package of ambitious proposals for a "New Energy Policy for Europe", the importance of which was underlined by the Heads of State and Government at the recent European Council. Developing a common external energy policy is one of the main components of the package. Turkey is an important partner for the EU in the shaping of its external energy policy. Turkey and the EU will benefit from a close dialogue on its implementation.

Turkey has already taken great strides in aligning its energy market with EU internal-market rules. The full liberalisation of Turkey's rapidly growing market of 72 million people will create a strong domestic energy market for the benefit of Turkish consumers, and will also bring significant further investment opportunities for business. The EU has a strong interest in supporting this process. The ongoing negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU play a central role in this context.

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