The Cyprus Problem – high expectations of French Presidency
The French EU-Presidency’s priorities, as elaborated by French President Nicolas Sarkozy[1] and by the French ambassador in Nicosia Nicolas Galey,[2] were well received in Nicosia, which on various occasions has reaffirmed its commitment to co-operate with France to guarantee their success.
Besides Paris’ priorities to chart a common immigration policy, enhance the European defence policy, promote renewable energy resources, reform the Common Agricultural Policy and involve civil society in EU affairs, Nicosia is also concerned as regards France’s position towards Turkey’s accession to the EU and the European Union’s involvement in the negotiation process for the resolution of the Cyprus problem.[3]
The Cyprus Problem
Tags: Focus on Turkey’s possible future accession
In relation to the EU Enlargement process, the most pertinent issue in Cyprus is the increasingly convoluted prospect of Turkey’s possible future accession. In this connection, the Republic of Cyprus fully supports the points laid out in the Annual Strategy Document on Enlargement of the European Commission, dated 11 November 2007.
Parliament ratified treaty – major governing party opposed
The rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by the Irish people was widely, if rather cautiously, perceived by the Cypriots as a serious setback in the efforts for a stronger, more democratic European Union. Upon hearing of the Irish ‘No’ vote, the Cypriot government suggested that it favoured a collective handling of the matter by the EU-27 in order to achieve an acceptable outcome.
Parliamentary ratification – little debate due to Presidential elections
When the 27 Heads of State and Government met in Lisbon on 13 December 2007 for the signing of the Reform Treaty, President Tassos Papadopoulos and Foreign Minister Ms Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis signed it on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus. The European Commission welcomed the signature of the Treaty of Lisbon and called for its swift ratification. The ‘Lisbon Treaty’ must be ratified by all 27 member states in order to enter into force on 1st January 2009.
In Cyprus, ratification will take place through the Parliamentary mode (as opposed to a referendum). According to Article 169 of the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, international treaties are subject to approval by Parliament. Article 50 of the Constitution further stipulates that the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers hold the right to veto Parliament’s decision.
The direct trade regulation and other new developments on the Cyprus issue
Nicoleta Athanasiadou, Costas Melakopides and Christos Xenophontos
Inevitably, the cardinal issue preoccupying Cyprus, hence being constantly discussed by politicians, academics, the business world and the general public, is Cyprus’ “existential” problem caused by Turkey’s 1974 invasion and the ongoing military occupation of 37 percent of the Republic’s territory.
Fighting climate change crucial for Cyprus
Nicoleta Athanasiadou, Costas Melakopides and Christos Xenophontos
In the December 2009 European Council that preceded the climate conference in Copenhagen, President Christofias and the majority of Cypriot political classes welcomed the EU leaders’ decision to assist developing countries financially to meet their emission targets.[1] Cyprus’ contribution to the EU fund is about 600,000 Euros per year, a prospect that was overall welcomed by both political parties and civil society. However, they all insisted simultaneously on the issue’s global aspects, underlining that, besides the EU, other developed countries, and primarily the USA and Japan, should also contribute to the global efforts for protecting the environment.[2]
20 million Cypriot Euros for every 10 billion Euros for Greece
Nicoleta Athanasiadou, Costas Melakopides and Christos Xenophontos
Upon the conclusion of the European Council on 26 March 2010, Cypriot President Demetris Christofias hoped that the mechanism approved by the EU will not need to come into force, but confirmed that, if it did, then for every 10 billion Euros for Greece, Cyprus would need to contribute 20 million Euros.[1] He declared that, given the close ties with Greece, Cyprus’ willingness to contribute could not be questioned despite its presently difficult economic situation. President Christofias added his hope that the EU-presidency would establish fiscal discipline that would prevent other countries from having to face what Greece went through. At that time, the overwhelming majority of Cyprus’ politicians, in tandem with the general public, were in favour of the creation of a solidarity policy on behalf of the EU member states towards Greece.[2]
Western Balkans to join the European family, Turkey to open its ports and airports
Nicoleta Athanasiadou, Costas Melakopides and Christos Xenophontos
Following the Slovenians’ vote in favour of their government’s agreement to accept the verdict of an international panel in mediating the dispute on the Bay of Piran, Cypriot diplomats expressed the belief that Croatia will be able to complete its membership talks with Brussels in the coming year, putting the country on track to become the EU’s 28th member in 2012.[1]
According to our Ministry of Foreign Affairs interlocutors, Cyprus supports the Western Balkans aspirations to join the European family, adding that the resolution of the maritime dispute between Croatia and Slovenia sends a significant message to other countries in the region that wish to become EU members: namely, to resolve any bilateral issues that might block their EU talks.[2] An obvious example is the name dispute between the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Greece: an agreed upon settlement will definitely speed up FYROM’s accession prospects.
Treaty reforms overshadowed by more existential problems
Nicoleta Athanasiadou, Costas Melakopides and Christos Xenophontos
Six months since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force, the majority of Cypriot citizens, as well as a number of Cypriot politicians, have not yet clearly comprehended the changes this Treaty has brought into the EU’s decision-making process. Once again, the explanation seems to rest with the fact that the overwhelming, daily and anxious preoccupation of the political classes and the public opinion of the Republic of Cyprus centres on following the vicissitudes of the country’s “existential problem” (i.e., the military occupation), including the protracted bi-communal negotiations for its settlement in a fair and viable manner.
The Cyprus problem, scrapies and water
Cyprus
Cyprus Institute for Mediterranean, European and International Studies
The second semester of 2008 was marked by major international events, including the global financial crisis, the conflict in Georgia and the election of Barack Obama to the US Presidency. Needless to say, all these developments preoccupied the Cypriot people who had, in addition, a number of further concerns and expectations in mind.
