The Republic of Cyprus holds a sensitive position within the European Union, facing compromised sovereignty due to ongoing military occupation and foreign control. Since accession to the EU in 2004, the entirety of the island is EU territory, though EU law remains suspended in those areas where the Republic of Cyprus has no effective control. The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Türkiye, operates outside the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union, creating a legal and political anomaly. Brexit further complicates cohesion, as the British Sovereign Base Areas in Akrotiri and Dhekelia remain under UK sovereignty and serve both British and US military interests. Cyprus remains the only EU Member State hosting non-EU military operations. The situation in Cyprus challenges EU sovereignty, regional security, and implementation of EU law. The presence of non-EU military on EU territory without effective EU control can exacerbate the precarious situation of Cyprus, leaving the island vulnerable to the geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
About the author:
Andrea Berti works at Finabel’s Legal Research Department.