Reflecting on Two Decades of EU Membership
As Cyprus marks the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union, the journey has been a blend of significant gains and missed opportunities. The island nation, now part of a community that boasts 450 million citizens, has seen the benefits of EU membership, yet the shadow of past mistakes lingers.
The allure of
The initial enthusiasm for resolving the island’s division has waned, leaving Cypriots disillusioned. The Republic of Cyprus’s pursuit of a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution to the ‘Cyprus problem’ has not convinced many, and European partners’ interest has faded over time.
The ‘Green Line trade agreement’ emerged as an essential yet flawed solution, addressing the development of occupied territories while the return of refugees’ homes seems increasingly unlikely. Customs controls at checkpoints are sporadic and ineffective, focusing more on the seizure of ‘illegal’ tobacco than providing clear guidelines on what is taxable, to avoid legitimizing the occupied state in the north.
In a positive turn, halloumi cheese has become a symbol of reconciliation, with discussions on allowing Turkish Cypriot producers to obtain PDO labelling for exports and sales in the Greek Cypriot market.
However, the scandal of ‘golden passports’ has tarnished Cyprus’s image, with EU leaders questioning the country’s reliability as a partner. Now, Cypriot politicians are striving to restore their nation’s reputation within the EU.
The reflection on the past two decades reveals a complex narrative of progress and complacency. Cyprus stands at a crossroads, recognizing that while EU membership has been beneficial, there is an urgent need to capitalize on its potential fully. The question remains whether future retrospectives will affirm that the island nation fully embraced the opportunities presented by its union with Europe.
