Tuesday, June 25, 2013
2.13 (Binnengasthuis)
It is largely argued that the unsettled dispute of Cyprus, which has seriously spoiled the accession negotiations with Turkey, constitutes a major impediment to Turkish accession. Apparently, Greek Cypriot membership, without the Cyprus conflict having been settled, has posed important concerns for Turkey. Firstly, in view of the potential veto power at its disposal, the admission of internationally recognised Southern Cyprus can influence Turkey’s membership negatively. Additionally, Turkish concerns regarding the problem of ‘recognition’ of the Greek side have a high potential to hinder the course of accession negotiations and, thus, to postpone Turkish membership. Indeed, the Cyprus issue in general and the above-mentioned concerns in particular are responsible for the current impasse in accession negotiations.
The paper will examine how the Cyprus dispute that was originally an exclusive problem between Greece and Turkey, has become an issue between Turkey and the EU, how influential the Greek factor has been in Europeanising the issue and how the issue has affected EU-Turkey relations until the current impasse since a connection between the Cyprus problem and the relations was first established. The paper will also question whether the issue constitutes an actual obstacle undermining Turkey’s EU vocation since there is little prospect for settlement or if it is an issue having important potential to keep dominating the agenda but can be dealt with by the parties with a strong political will.
