Why NATO and the EU can't ignore Cyprus anymore | Mapped Out

Cyprus has been divided for over 50 years, setting NATO member Turkey against the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state. As Europe redraws its security order, the Cyprus problem is back in focus. Will rising geopolitical tensions finally push the island toward reunification or divide it for good?

One reason is the US-Israeli war on Iran, including an apparent drone strike by Iranian ally Hezbollah on a British military base RAF Akrotiri reportedly housing US U-2 spy planes. Another reason is the growing military and economic ties between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel. But as Europe scrambles to realign its security arrangements, Turkey is becoming far more relevant. Ankara is the only country to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and it has tens of thousands of troops stationed on the island.

The 1974 Turkish invasion, launched in the wake of a coup, is still viewed very differently depending on whom you ask in Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots hail it as liberation from ethnic strife, while Greek Cypriots see it as aggression and occupation. Could the shifting dynamics in the region mean a resolution to the “Cyprus problem” is finally possible?

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