It is unlikely that Northern Cyprus will join the EU as it is not recognized as a sovereign state and is currently governed by Turkey, which is not an EU member state.
Extensive response
While there is no definitive answer to whether Northern Cyprus will join the European Union, it is currently unlikely. Although Northern Cyprus applied to join the EU in 2004, its status as a de facto state not recognized by the international community poses obstacles to its integration. Furthermore, Turkey’s military presence and control over the northern part of the island make it difficult for the EU to consider Northern Cyprus a sovereign state.
According to a report by the European Parliament, “The Turkish military presence in the northern part of the island, the absence of a comprehensive settlement, and the lack of progress towards a solution of the Cyprus problem continue to be key issues for the EU and its member states.”
As of 2021, Northern Cyprus is not recognized by any country except Turkey, and its economy heavily relies on Turkish assistance.
Interesting facts:
- Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island after a coup by Greek nationalists.
- The United Nations has around 1,000 peacekeeping troops stationed on the island’s buffer zone to maintain peace between the two countries.
- The southern part of Cyprus, known as the Republic of Cyprus, is an EU member state since 2004.
- In 2019, tensions between Turkey and Cyprus escalated over gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. The dispute centered around the claimed exclusive economic zones of Cyprus and Turkey.
- In 2020, the EU imposed sanctions on Turkey over drilling activities off the coast of Cyprus, further complicating the relationship between the two countries.
Table:
| Year | Northern Cyprus applies to join the EU | EU decides to start negotiations |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Yes | No |
| 2015 | N/A | No |
| 2021 | N/A | No |
According to this table, Northern Cyprus has applied to join the EU once in 2004, but the EU did not decide to start negotiations. Since then, no new applications have been made, and no progress towards EU membership has been achieved.
See a video about the subject
This video provides a historical overview of the two-state governance system in Cyprus, beginning with British annexation in the early 20th century, the Greek Cypriot campaigns for unification with Greece, and Turkey’s intervention in 1974 to protect Turkish Cypriots. The EU’s biased approach in supporting Greek Cypriots and Turkey’s offer for dialogue regarding shared natural resources are discussed. Despite Turkey’s call for a two-state solution, the EU and US oppose this plan.
Many additional responses to your query
Although the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not in the European Union, because the entire island is encompassed into the bloc, it is considered as being de facto ruled by the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus has used its voice to express disagreement of any possible unification with Northern Cypriots alongside relations with Turkey. Northern Cyprus is legally part of the EU, but law is suspended due to north being under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which the EU does not recognise.
Although the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not in the European Union, because the entire island is encompassed into the bloc, it is considered as being de facto ruled by the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus has used its voice to express disagreement of any possible unification with Northern Cypriots alongside relations with Turkey.
Northern Cyprus is legally part of the EU, but law is suspended due to north being under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which the EU does not recognise.
As of 2018 [update], the EU recognises the north as being outside the control of the Greek Cypriot–led government of the Republic and hence is temporarily exempt from EU legislation.