Brussels  - The European Union's executive feels sympathy and solidarity for Turkey after the floods which have ravaged the country, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Thursday.

Barroso has written to Turkish President Abdullah Gul to express "all his solidarity" and the European Commission's "sympathy and solidarity" after the flash floods which killed at least 31 people, Barroso's spokesman, Johannes Laitenberger, said.

The message also sent Barroso's "condolences for the tragic event," Laitenberger said.

Turkey is a candidate for EU membership, but key members including France and Germany are fiercely opposed to its bid.

At the same time, the country has emerged as a key player in the EU's bid to reduce its reliance on energy imports from Russia, making EU officials keen to maintain good relations with Ankara.