Cyprus: 50 Years Since the Turkish Invasion, 20 Years Since the Accession to the EU

This event will not be livestreamed.

The modern history of Cyprus has been indelibly marked by two key years: 1974, when the Turkish invasion of the island took place, and 2004, when the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU.

Fifty years ago, Cyprus experienced the traumatic event of the Turkish invasion, which led to the division of the island, with the northern part coming under Turkish military occupation—a division that remains unresolved to this day. While EU membership was seen as a milestone for the Republic of Cyprus, the Turkish- occupied north still remains outside the EU’s jurisdiction.

The island’s complex geopolitical situation has been further influenced by broader regional and global events. The Russian invasion in Ukraine and multiple crises in the Middle East have highlighted the fragility of European security and the importance of stability in its periphery. As Cyprus continues to face occupation by another revisionist power, its EU membership provides both a platform for advocating for a resolution and a reminder of the limits of European unity when confronted with entrenched geopolitical divides.

In reflecting on these anniversaries, the island’s journey is not only a story of conflict, but also one of resilience, European integration, and hope for a reunified future. The lessons drawn from Cyprus urge a renewed commitment to peace, stability, and diplomatic solutions in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. For Cyprus, the changing contours of transatlantic relations present both challenges and opportunities that could shape its political and economic future.

The event is based on the collective publication on Cyprus by the Martens Centre and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, published in November 2024.