Northern Cyprus at 43: Europe must honour its promises

As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus marks its 43^rd anniversary on 15^th November, Europe should confront an uncomfortable question: why do Turkish Cypriots who voted for a United Nations peace plan remain isolated more than two decades later?

Having followed the Cyprus question for over four decades, I believe lasting peace requires Turkish Cypriots to be treated as equals. Their security, dignity and freedom cannot depend on endlessly postponed promises.

For Türkiye, the bond with Turkish Cypriots is organic, rooted in shared history and sacrifice. Our objective is a free, secure and prosperous Turkish Cypriot state capable of standing on its own feet.

The Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 as a partnership between the island’s two peoples. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry identifies the denial of Turkish Cypriots’ equal partnership as the root of the dispute. Equality remains essential to any lasting settlement.

The European Union’s record exposes a gap between principle and practice. In the 2004 referendums on the UN’s Annan Plan, 64.9 per cent of Turkish Cypriots voted yes, while 75.8 per cent of Greek Cypriots voted no. Türkiye supported the settlement. Turkish Cypriots accepted difficult compromises for a shared European future.

The Republic of Cyprus nevertheless entered the EU on 1^st May 2004, with its internationally recognised government exercising effective control only in the south. EU law remained suspended in the north. The political outcome was profoundly unfair: the side that rejected the settlement gained the advantages of membership, while the side that accepted it remained isolated.

On 26^th April 2004, the EU Council pledged to “put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community”. Twenty-two years later, that promise remains unfulfilled. EU assistance, scholarships and support for cooperation across the Green Line deserve acknowledgement. But aid cannot substitute for normal economic access and meaningful international participation. The Commission’s direct trade proposal remains pending.

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During my tenure as Türkiye’s chief negotiator, I argued on many platforms that holding Türkiye’s European relationship hostage to Cyprus was unjust, particularly while Turkish Cypriots who supported the Annan Plan remained isolated. Time has only strengthened that argument.

The imbalance also weakens the incentives for compromise. One party enjoys recognition, EU membership and influence over the Union’s relations with Türkiye. The other negotiates under isolation. European solidarity with a member state should not mean indifference towards the other people of the island.

The fact is that there are two functioning democratic republics on this beautiful island. When the sun rises, it rises for two separate administrations with presidents and parliaments elected separately and with separate education and health systems. Our aim and hope is to merge these two democratic governments under a single umbrella, but with two equal and sovereign states. The Cypriots on both sides should agree on a solution.

Any common umbrella must rest on sovereign equality and voluntary agreement. The EU and the established UN framework favour a bizonal, bicommunal federation; differences over the model require diplomacy, with the consent of both peoples at its heart.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s position in his 15^th November anniversary message to President Tufan Erhürman. He advocated two states existing side by side and renewed his call for recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and diplomatic, political and economic relations with it.

Following his visit to Northern Cyprus earlier this month, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan likewise identified coexistence between two states as the most realistic solution. He emphasised sovereign equality and equal international status as prerequisites for a just and lasting settlement, alongside Türkiye’s commitment to Turkish Cypriot security, development and prosperity.

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Türkiye’s water supply project demonstrates what solidarity can achieve. Investment should enable young Turkish Cypriots to build their futures at home and strengthen cooperation with their neighbours.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry calls for direct flights, direct trade and direct contacts to end Turkish Cypriot isolation. Europe should engage with that agenda and widen educational and professional opportunities. Cooperation on water, clean energy and environmental protection should not wait for a comprehensive settlement.

Respecting Turkish Cypriot sovereignty need not entail hostility towards Greek Cypriots. Both peoples deserve peace and prosperity.

Türkiye will continue to stand beside Turkish Cypriots. Europe should finally honour its word. Peace becomes possible when equality is respected and promises become reality.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.