A former British colony, the island of Cyprus, continues to seek closer ties with NATO as it eyes up membership. Cyprus is a strategic location for NATO exercises as increasing turmoil brews in the Middle East.
However, Cyprus’ path to NATO membership may be jeopardised by their relations with Türkiye.
Türkiye, a ally of the U.S. and a NATO member since 1952, is closely observing Cyprus’ strengthening relationship with the organisation. Back in September 2024, Ankara criticised the signing of a document that pledged to boost two-way cooperation between the United States and Cyprus.
Türkiye claimed that the accord was detrimental to Turkish Cypriots in the north of the island.
Historical Context: Türkiye & Cyprus
To understand why Türkiye objects to Cyprus’ accession to NATO, one must first understand the history of the island post-independence.
After the island’s independence from Great Britain in 1955, conflict began between the island’s ethnic groups despite attempts to establish a multiethnic state. The population of Cyprus consists of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
After a military coup in an attempt by Greece to annex the island in 1974, forces from Turkey moved to occupy the northern third of the island, causing 165,000 Greek Cypriots to flee to the southern part of the island, while 45,000 Turkish Cypriots left for the north.
Despite a resolution from the U.N. Security Council calling for Türkiye to withdraw its forces from Cyprus, Türkiye refused to withdraw and continued it’s military occupation of of the northern part of the island to this day.
Since the 1970s, the island has remained divided, with Turkish Cypriots forming a breakaway state in the north that is only recognised by the Turkish government.
‘One Nation-State, Two Nations‘
This historical rift between the two sides of the island has caused issues at an international level ever since.
When Cyprus joined the European Union in May 2004, only the Republic of Cyprus was eligible for membership as the Turkish Cypriot breakaway state was not internationally recognised. When the Republic of Cyprus adopted the euro, the north continued using the Turkish lira.
While the European Union technically does not recognise the northern breakaway state, the EU acknowledges that it falls outside of the jurisdiction of the EU recognised Cypriot government in Nicosia and therefore outside of European jurisdiction as well.
The Cypriot capital Nicosia remains the last divided city in Europe and the last capital city in the world split by a border zone, as it is divided between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish occupied side of the island. A street which was once a major thoroughfare has become a border crossing.
A buffer zone, also known as the “Green Line”, drawn and controlled by the United Nations, divides the island in two, cutting through the northern and southern parts of the capital.
Within the buffer zone stand abandoned, deteriorating buildings and even the former international airport of Nicosia, an untouched time capsule of the 1970s.
The division of the physical territory of Cyprus and its occupation by the Turkish military could be seen as a physical manifestation of the numerous roadblocks standing in the way of its attempt to join NATO.
Not only are they remnants of the island’s divided past and present but also underscore the broader socio political challenges that the island faces.
NATO Accession: Cyprus’ Long Term Ambitions
Although Cyprus is unable to join NATO as of 2025, Nicosia maintain their aspirations to join in the future.
As of last year, Nicosia agreed to a strategic dialogue with the United States, encompassing topics ranging from security and law enforcement to energy cooperation, education, and investment.
The two countries said in a joint statement that the strategic dialogue “reflects the shared resolve of the Republic of Cyprus and the United States to enhance bilateral and regional security, foster economic innovation and prosperity, and uphold shared democratic values and respect for international law.”
According to a release from the U.S. Department of Defence, Cyprus is actively improving its military capacities to align with standards set by NATO.
As stated in an update from January 2025, the New Jersey National Guard has begun collaborating with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard, in a project to develop Non Commissioned Officer, defense modernisation, and crisis operation capabilities.
Despite these developments, Cyprus’ status as a potential member of NATO remains uncertain under the Trump administration.
Cyprus could play a key role in future operations in the region, however, the path to NATO membership remains challenging.
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