Cyprus - EU Relations
The accession of Cyprus to the European Union was a milestone in the country’s history. Cyprus’s GDP per capita of €35 800 ranks below the EU average (€37 600). It accounts for 0.2% of the EU's total GDP. Despite joining the EU as a de facto divided island, the whole of Cyprus is EU territory. Traces of the tragic events which unfolded on the island in the past are still visible, and the de facto division of the island affects the daily lives of all Cypriots. For instance, it is not possible to move around the whole island freely.
Turkish Cypriots who have, or are eligible for, EU travel documents are EU citizens. EU law is suspended in areas where the Cypriot government (Government of the Republic) does not exercise effective control. The country is currently de facto divided between areas in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control and in which EU legislation applies, and areas outside the Government’s effective control where the Turkish Cypriot community resides and where EU legislation is temporarily suspended. The EU supports the efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue to ensure a better future for all Cypriots, and to help achieve lasting security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Enhancing Cyprus’ active participation as a constructive and trusted partner in the EU is among its top foreign policy goals. The vision and main pursuit remains to build a stronger EU with a strong global presence, for the benefit of all European citizens; a Union that is based on solidarity, unity, democracy and respect for human rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works with other stakeholders, to coordinate and formulate Cyprus’ positions on issues of great importance for the EU.
These include Climate Change, Competitiveness and economic prosperity, the global role of the EU, the external aspect of migration, as well as the promotion of the rule of law. These issues are important challenges for the EU, which also have an impact on traditional foreign policy matters. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is focused on enhancing and strengthening the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as the Common Foreign and Security Policy. A strong global role of the EU, on the basis of international law, is important, especially given the current geopolitical developments. Moreover, we aim to support the EU’s increased involvement in the neighbouring region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Based on the experience gained from Cyprus’ EU membership, one of the main strategic objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to improve Cyprus’s significant and effective participation in the EU. This involves promoting national interests by making substantial contributions to European integration and the shaping of European policies, based on a comprehensive National Strategy. Achieving this goal requires consistency and coherence in Cyprus’s sectoral and policy positions throughout the legislative process as well as at political level. Cyprus’s constructive participation in the EU strengthens its negotiating position and facilitates the formation of alliances and synergies with other Member States to effectively advance European and national interests.
In this framework, in February 2019, the Council of Ministers decided the establishment of a General Secretariat for European Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the main coordinating body for European Affairs.
The General Secretariat is comprised of diplomats and civil servants from various government Ministries and departments. Its main responsibilities include the monitoring of the implementation of the National Strategy for European Union Affairs, updating the Strategy as needed, and coordinating Cyprus’ positions on EU affairs, in cooperation with the relevant Ministries, Deputy Ministries, government services and the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU. It is also responsible for preparing the President of the Republic of Cyprus for formal and informal meetings of the European Council in coordination with the Diplomatic Office of the President, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs for participation in the General Affairs Council.
Additionally, the General Secretariat has the responsibility of coordinating the effective implementation of EU law and the transposition of EU directives into national legislation, as well as for liaising with EU institutions and advocating for proportional representation of Cypriots in these bodies. In view of the assumption of the EU Council Presidency, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ms Marilena Raouna, was appointed on 17 January 2024. The Deputy Minister is responsible for the political supervision of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as for representing Cyprus in EU bodies and institutions, and collaborating with competent Ministers to successfully prepare for the Presidency. This includes coordinating the programme and priorities, organising meetings, and developing the communication strategy.
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