turkey has a very important geostrategic role for europe. and not only for europe but for the unites states as well. that's why they press the EU on this subject (something that the EU can't ignore).
also we're talking about a very big country with a huge market. the EU wants an easy access to that market and agreements that will make trading with turkey more profitable.
furthermore don't forget the islamic people- not only the ones who live in turkey and the other islamic countries, but also the ones who live in european countries- and the impact on the relations between the "two worlds" if the EU finally rejects turkey's membership.
on the other hand the EU members are afraid that turkey will gain much power within the EU just because it will be one of the biggest countries. the EU also wants to avoid the financial aid to turkey which will be huge.
as it seems it's a very challenging subject that the EU will have to discuss and decide about it in the future. germany, i think, talked about a privileged partnership or something, with turkey.
what i think is that religion or culture should not be a problem (and they are not really- not for the leaders who decide). turks are what they are and they can't change their past nor their culture. after all no people in the world would do that. there are some things, indeed, that their government should reform but why should culture and religion become an obstacle?
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