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Hay & Menon: European Politics

Cyprus

Cyprus was an influential member of the Non-Aligned Movement. However, in 1990 at the end of the Cold War, Cyprus applied for membership of the EU. This prompted considerable opposition from Turkish Cypriots, who claimed that in order for Cyprus to join the EU they should be fully consulted. Accession negotiations began in 1998 and on 1 May 2004 Cyprus joined the EU. The EU had been pressing Cyprus to resolve its internal territorial dispute prior to membership of the EU. Thus, the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot community prior to the 2004 accession was a significant setback. Nevertheless, Cyprus joined the EU despite its continued divisions, effectively resulting in the accession of the southern half of Cyprus only. The Republic of Cyprus attempted to use the accession negotiations as a means to exert pressure on Turkey to agree to a settlement that was broadly in line with the Republic's interests. This policy has been continued following accession, creating tensions in EU-Turkey relations.