The island that joined the EU despite being split in two
In short: Cyprus is a geographical paradox: a divided island where the entire landmass is EU territory, yet EU law is suspended in certain areas. Its journey into the Union wasn't just a diplomatic move; it was a survival strategy against regional threats and a test of economic resilience.
Cyprus joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, following a complex history of partition. The island was split in 1974 following a Greek military junta's intervention and a subsequent Turkish invasion, creating a UN military buffer zone. While the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is internationally unrecognized, the entire island is considered de jure territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Consequently, the whole island is encompassed into the EU, though Turkish Cypriots are eligible for citizenship while EU law remains suspended in specific zones.
The accession was driven by a desire for security. In 2004, 73% of Cypriots felt more secure as EU members, viewing the Union as a democratic bulwark against neighboring threats. However, the path was fraught with tension. The 2003 Annan Plan referendums saw 65% of Turkish Cypriots vote in favor of a solution, while 74% of Greek Cypriots voted against it. Despite this lack of consensus, the EU proceeded with accession, a move that left many Greek Cypriots feeling their voices were sidelined in favor of a pre-planned integration of the entire island.
Economic shocks tested this loyalty. Following the 2009 subprime crisis, Cyprus' economy shrank by 1.67% and faced a severe 2012–2013 financial crisis. A €10 billion bailout in 2013 included a 'bail-in' levy on domestic bank deposits, which hit everyday citizens hard and caused trust in the EU to plummet to 13% by 2013. Interestingly, Cypriot Euroscepticism is largely left-wing, driven by these austerity measures rather than the right-wing trends seen in other Eastern Bloc states.
Resilience has since defined the Cypriot experience. By 2019, trust in the EU quadrupled to 54%, and support for the eurozone reached 82%. The island's loyalty was further cemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, where EU-approved state aid and vaccine procurement provided a safety net. This enduring commitment has shifted the national identity, with the percentage of Cypriots identifying as EU citizens jumping from 45% in 2013 to 72% by 2022.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cyprus and the European Union
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/health-cyprus-and-the-european-union.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Epidemiology · More in Health · Latest · A–Z · All topics
