RESEARCH CENTER - INTERCOLLEGE

RESEARCH WORK AND EVENTS

 

 

 

New Book Releases

 

Pragmatic guidelines for a Cyprus settlement

Andreas Theophanous, Cyprus, the EU and the Stakes Involved: Accession to the EU and the Solution (to the Cyprus Problem) (in Greek), Panazisis Press, 2006.

  

Political party representatives, members of parliament, diplomats and academics attended the presentation of the new book by Professor Andreas Theophanous Cyprus, the EU and the Stakes Involved: Accession to the EU and the Solution (to the Cyprus Problem)” (published by Papazisis press in Athens, in Greek) which took place at the Cine Studio at Intercollege on February 12, 2007.

 

The book was presented by MEP Ioannis Kasoulides, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr Yiannakis Omirou, leader of the Socialist Party EDEK, former Minister of Defence. Both highlighted the author’s scientific work and timely interventions in recent years and his capacity to record not only what the Greek Cypriot side does not want – in terms of a political settlement - but what it does want and how it can be achieved.

 

The book addresses the broader ramifications of the Cyprus question and its EU membership beyond the island’s strict geographical context. It links the recent efforts for a settlement to the facilitation of Turkey’s EU accession course, highlights the role of the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia and the UN and attempts to disentangle the strong and often conflicting interests at stake.

 

Both Messrs Kasoulides and Omirou stressed the value of Prof. Theophanous’ ‘9 plus 1’ guidelines for the reunification of the country, which were described as realistic and which put the case across on how an appropriate resolution of the issue could serve to further the international community’s objectives in the region.

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Accession to the Eurozone and the Reunification of the Cyprus Economy

Andreas Theophanous and Yiannis Tirkides (Eds), Accession to the Eurozone and the Reunification of the Cyprus Economy, Nicosia, Intercollege Press, 2006, (pp. 286).

 

A new book entitled “Accession to the Eurozone and the Reunification of the Cyprus Economy”, edited by Andreas Theophanous and Yiannis Tirkides, has been published by the Research Center – Intercollege in collaboration with Intercollege Press.

 

The book seeks to examine the process of Cyprus’ accession to the Eurozone and the prospect of the reunification of its economy.  Only 12 months ahead of accession to the euro this thorough study provides an in depth analysis of the Cyprus economy (both in the area under the control of the government and the occupied northern part) and addresses the challenge of accession to the EMU as well as its economic and political implications.  The prerequisites of accession to the Eurozone are also examined as well as the experiences of other eurozone member states including Greece.  Particular attention is paid to German reunification as a unique model of economic integration of two regions with marked differences and vast disparities between them.  Whilst the cases of Germany and Cyprus are not the same, important conclusions are drawn and specific recommendations are made.

 

Cyprus faces a double challenge: the timely introduction of the Euro and successful participation in the EMU on the one hand, and the reunification of its economy within the framework of a solution of the Cyprus problem on the other. Meeting the challenge is crucial; it will lead to the greatest transformation of the Cyprus economy and society since the post-1974 economic “miracle”.  Accession to the EMU will undoubtedly influence the contents of a solution to the Cyprus problem as it entails the need for economic integration and effective coordination in the decision-making processes.  The integration of the northern part of the island with the government-controlled areas and, by extension, with the EU, necessitates the implementation of the acquis communautaire across the entire island. 

 

Although the cases of Germany and Cyprus are not similar, the German experience of reunification offers valuable lessons.  Economic convergence in Cyprus will be a fundamental objective within the framework of reunification, but for its achievement an integrated economy will be of utmost importance.  It is also important that the reconstruction strategy for the northern part of Cyprus as well as the comprehensive package of measures have the support of the population.  In this regard it is essential that people believe in, and work for, the prospect of a unified Cyprus.

 

 

 

 

 

Press Release
 

No magic recipes for federal systems

A Conference organised by the Research Center-Intercollege on

‘Coordination and Formulation of EU policy in a Federal Cyprus’

 

There are no magic recipes in the implementation of a federal system nor can miracles be expected from such a system as each case depends on the political, social and particular characteristics of a country, was the main message of a conference organised on Monday on ‘Coordination and Formulation of EU policy in a Federal Cyprus’. Organised by the Research Center–Intercollege and attended by academics, ambassadors and members of foreign diplomatic missions the conference produced a lively discussion both on the theoretical aspects but also on the prospects of the various prevailing theories being applied to Cyprus.

 

Kris Deschouwer, professor of Political Science and a specialist in federal concepts at the Open University of Brussels elaborated the theme ‘Federalism and Federal Solutions: Unpacking the Concepts’ exploring the theory and pointing to the practices applied by other federal states – members of the European Union. Professor Deschouwer explained that to apply a federal model, complicated social issues and political institutions must be combined to produce an efficient and fully functioning system. He said: “Federation is not a miracle” stressing that there are many factors affecting its effective implementation, always depending on each particular case.

 

Andreas Theophanous, professor of Political Economy and Director General of the Centre, explored the topic of ‘Federalism and the Case of Cyprus’, taking into account what he described as the ‘multidimensional characteristics’ of the country. Professor Theophanous referred to the key events before 1974 which shaped the prospect of a federal goal, highlighted the elements of the Annan Plan which led to its rejection and how, subsequently, the accession of Cyprus to the European Union altered the circumstances that will shape a new settlement. Concluding he said that a federal solution should ensure the full independence of Cyprus without foreign troops, guarantees or foreign judges.

 

Christina Ioannou, Senior Lecturer, scientific associate of the Research Center - Intercollege, presented a brief report on ‘A Cross-National Comparison of Federal Experiences and Formulation of Policy on EU related issues’ offering specific examples and experiences of federal states, the result of her study at the Research Center.

 

Mr Emilios Solomou, member of the Research Center’s Board of Directors coordinated the very lively discussion that followed which raised many issues relevant to Cyprus but also to the theory of federalism and existing functioning models.

 

Nicosia, 23 January 2007

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Upcoming Events

 

On Tuesday, February 27, 2007, the Research Center – Intercollege is organizing a seminar in cooperation with the British High Commission entitled ‘Research, Innovation and the Role of Universities’. The seminar will bring together experts and academics among them: Mr. Rob Fenn, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission, Dr. Andreas Moleskis, Permanent Secretary, Planning Bureau, Mr. Allan Mayo, Deputy Director, Markets and Technology Analysis Unit DTI and Dr. Sarah Macnaughton, Isis Enterprise UK.  Professor Andreas Theophanous will chair the seminar.  Attached you may find the program.

Download the programme of the seminar:                

 

 

On March 8, 2007, Papazisis Publishing organizes in Athens the presentation of the new book by Professor Andreas Theophanous “Cyprus, the EU and the Stakes Involved: Accession to the EU and the Solution (to the Cyprus Problem)” (in Greek). Guest speakers at the presentation will be Dr. Vasos Lyssarides, Honorary President SD EDEK Cyprus, Mr. Evaggelos Venizelos former Minister of Culture and MP of PASOK, Greece, Mr. George Georgis, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Greece and Panayiotis Ifestos, Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies, at Panteio University. Mr. Stavros Lygeros, journalist at “Kathimerini” newspaper, will chair the event.  Attached you may find the program.

 

Download the programme of the presentation:      

 

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