The Cyprus Problem and the European Union

Abstract

In the first part the author presents the arguments as to what membership would imply. 

Supporters considered that with accession we could address the two major worries of Greek
Cypriots: (a) the functionality of the solution, (b) the threat from Turkey. Opponents believed that: (a) Cyprus will enjoy the full support of the EU but instead, the EU's main objective now
is how to help the Turkish Cypriots and not to 'punish' the Greek Cypriots as they now claim, (b) There will be prospects for a 'European' solution. The EU disagrees; it considers the Plan
compatible with the acquis and made it clear that it will not take any initiative to help solve the problem.

 
We need to take action now, before and not after the December Council, says the author. We need at last to spell out what we want and never forget Makarios' doctrine to demand
what is feasible to achieve and not what we desire. We cannot afford not to take action now; the Union can afford to wait but not Cyprus. In twenty years' time, when Turkey might be
joining we may end switching from the de facto to the de jure partition.