A small island state at the European Union's furthest south-eastern border has developed a foreign policy anchored in resilience, diplomacy and regional co-operation, amid constant instability in its neighbourhood. Cyprus' experience stands out for its distinctive approach to international relations, security and migration in an increasingly volatile world.
This article is part of The Parliament's Guide to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Multilateralism in practice
Cyprus' geography has always been both an asset and a challenge.
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, the island has faced persistent security challenges — most notably the ongoing Turkish occupation of 37% of its territory, in defiance of international law and United Nations resolutions.
Yet, Cyprus has crafted a foreign policy rooted in dialogue, adherence to international law and active multilateral engagement.
This approach is reflected in Nicosia's regular use of international and multilateral forums to pursue its foreign policy goals. Cyprus has actively invested in regional multilateral formats in the eastern Mediterranean, fostering co-operative dialogue on energy, security and crisis management.
Through these efforts, Cyprus has demonstrated how small states can utilise multilateralism to enhance stability and protect their interests, a model that reflects the EU's commitment to a rules-based international order as power politics become increasingly prominent.
In the face of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Cyprus' call for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity resonates more than ever. The EU has demonstrated its capacity to act decisively in defence of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rules-based international order.
For a country enduring the occupation of part of its territory for more than five decades, this firm stance reinforces a long-standing and principled position: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must apply universally, without exceptions.
Preserving these principles within the EU requires more than rhetorical consistency. It calls for sustained EU engagement in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem in line with UN Security Council resolutions, as well as the effective use of diplomatic and political tools to discourage violations in the eastern Mediterranean.
Regional partnerships
Cyprus can also offer valuable experience in regional co-operation. Its effective involvement in eastern Mediterranean trilateral and quadrilateral schemes shows the connection between energy security and diplomacy.
Through close co-operation with neighbouring democracies such as Greece, Israel and Egypt, Nicosia has advanced the development of eastern Mediterranean energy resources within a framework of regional stability and respect for international law.
Such joint initiatives ensured deeper co-ordination in offshore energy planning and development, the reliance on Egyptian liquefied natural gas infrastructure for the export of eastern Mediterranean gas and the advancement of interconnection projects linking the region to the European energy market.
These partnerships have helped anchor the European energy interests in the eastern Mediterranean to co-operation rather than competition, reinforcing the EU's broader objective of reducing strategic dependencies while fostering regional trust.
In an area marked by conflict and mistrust, Cyprus' role as a bridge-builder offers a practical template for how the EU can strengthen its foreign policy: rather than relying solely on broad, one-size-fits-all frameworks, it can invest more in regional partnerships. Such flexible formats bring together member states and neighbouring partners around shared interests such as energy security, connectivity and maritime security.
Cyprus' proximity to conflict zones has made it a frontline state even in migration management. The country has consistently upheld humanitarian principles while calling for fair burden-sharing and effective EU solidarity.
As the EU looks ahead to a revised approach towards foreign relations, Cyprus' presidency can inject new momentum into discussions on security, resilience and regional diplomacy. Cyprus brings to the table a realistic understanding of the challenges at Europe's borders and a steadfast belief that principles and pragmatism can and must come together.
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