The EU, Cyprus and Turkey

The EU, Cyprus and Turkey

by Andreas Theophanous, Professor of Political Economy and Director General of the Center

Following the December 17, 2004 European Council at which Turkey was essentially given a

date for the start of accession negotiations with the EU, the consensus in Turkey is that

what has been agreed in Brussels in relation to Cyprus does not entail the recognition of the

Republic of Cyprus. The Turkish leadership insists that the signing of the Protocol for the

Customs Union with the ten new members states does not involve recognition of the Republic

of Cyprus.

Of course the issue at stake is not the legal interpretation of what has been agreed. Indeed

there are higher stakes. The main question is whether or not the insistence of Turkey not to

recognize a member state of the EU while preparing for accession negotiations, reflects an

attitude which is in line with European norms. The answer is obvious. What is even more of

a paradox is that Ankara is still occupying almost 40% of the territory of that member state –

with everything that this occupation entails.

Ankara insists that it is the fault of the Greek Cypriots that no solution was achieved last spring.

After all the Turkish side had supported the Annan Plan. It was the Greek Cypriots who rejected it.

Nevertheless, a careful reading of the Annan Plan would leave no doubt to objective analysts that

this particular plan could not have

worked as the solution of the Cyprus problem. Greek Cypriots believe that by their NO – not only

did they save the Republic of Cyprus but they also protected fundamental EU values and interests

and preempted what could have resulted in a serious deterioration of the situation on the island.

Such an outcome could have led to serious problems and complications beyond Cyprus and inevitably

would have adversely affected the EU. The overwhelming rejection of the Annan plan by the Greek

Cypriots and Turkey’s accession process should convince the Turkish leadership that it needs to

reassess its policies not only in Cyprus but as regards its relations with its neighbouring countries

and the treatment of its own minorities.

Research & Development Center - Intercollege