Cyprus seeks to ease EU-Turkey tensions while advancing NATO bid
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Cyprus plans to use its upcoming EU Council presidency to lower tensions with Turkey in exchange for progress on joining NATO, President Nikos Christodoulides told POLITICO. The key goal is securing Turkish approval for Cyprus to join NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP), a first step toward membership. In return, Cyprus would gradually ease obstacles to closer EU-Turkey cooperation.
Christodoulides outlined a step-by-step approach linking Turkey’s PfP agreement with positive moves on EU relations, alongside renewed talks to resolve the long-standing Cyprus dispute. He has discussed the plan with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Although Cyprus is blocked from NATO by Turkey, Christodoulides said alignment with the U.S. is ongoing, ensuring national defence and armaments meet alliance standards. The presidency will also prioritise EU security, the war in Ukraine, and shaping a response to U.S.-proposed peace plans.
Cyprus will push for reunification of the island, holding a trilateral meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and the U.N. envoy, the first in years. Christodoulides said renewed negotiations are possible if political will exists. He also aims for Cyprus to join the Schengen area next year, while maintaining freedom of movement across the ceasefire line.
