Cyprus wants to use its upcoming presidency of the EU Council to reduce tensions with Turkey in exchange for progress on Cyprus' accession to NATO, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told POLITICO.
The key element is to obtain Turkey's consent to admit Cyprus to the Partnership for Peace program [ang. Partnership for Peace, PfP]which is seen as the first step towards NATO membership. In return, Cyprus would gradually withdraw obstacles blocking closer cooperation between the EU and Turkey.
— A phased approach can be taken. Türkiye would take concrete steps to enable Cyprus to join the Partnership for Peace program, Christodoulides said last week during an interview at the presidential palace.
This is a test for NATO's European security and cohesion policy. Cyprus shows that without resolving old conflicts, it is impossible to build a new defense architecture in Europe.
— In parallel, there would be positive changes in relations between the EU and Turkey, linked to the resumption of talks on resolving the Cyprus issue within the framework of previously agreed principles
– added the president.
Christodoulides added that he had already discussed his proposal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The president called Cyprus' accession to the alliance a natural direction of development – but so far it has not happened due to “political conditions.” NATO member countries have veto power over candidates, a Türkiye does not agree to Cyprus being admitted.
Currently, Cyprus, together with Greece, is blocking Turkey's participation in joint arms purchases financed under the EU Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program worth EUR 150 billion. [ok. 633 mld zł].
Christodoulides, however, pointed out that Türkiye had “self-excluded” itself from this program because it had not concluded a security agreement with the EU. — There are specific conditions for participation in SAFE, as in the EU accession process; “It's not an a la carte deal,” he said.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides during a meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, December 4, 2025.SERGEY DOLZHENKO / PAP
Neither Greece nor Cyprus agree to Turkey's membership in the European Defense Agency, an intergovernmental body of the EU. In retaliation, Türkiye blocks the sharing of classified NATO information with the agency.
Some diplomats in NATO and the EU fear Cyprus' chairmanship could exacerbate long-standing tensions with Turkey – at a time when the EU is looking to strengthen its own defense capabilities and deepen military cooperation with Ankara.
Cyprus at the helm of the EU
Since the 1974 invasion by Turkish forces in response to a Greek-backed coup, Cyprus has been divided into Turkish parts in the north and Greek parts in the south. Ankara does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus — an EU member that is internationally recognized as the sole sovereign ruler of the entire island. The Turkish northern part is recognized only by Turkey.
When Cyprus takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council in January, it will have the power to set the agenda of EU ministers and negotiate EU law with the European Parliament.
Christodoulides said his country is aware of this role and that he will invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the informal meeting of the EU Council to be held in Cyprus on April 23-24.
Although Cyprus is not a member of NATO, it plans to put defense, security and the war in Ukraine at the top of its priorities during its presidency. One of the key tasks will be to formulate an EU response to the Ukraine peace plan pushed by US President Donald Trump – an action that Christodoulides described as ““Not perfect, but what's important is that the proposal is on the table.”
Trump's election sends a signal to the EU that America cannot be taken for granted, so as the EU we must do more and work together to address any challenges. This way we are also more useful to Americans
– he added.
Although Cyprus is not in NATO, Christodoulides assured that his country is working with the US to ensure that its weapons and the organization of the National Guard meet NATO standards until the political situation allows full membership.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nicosia significantly strengthened ties with the US, moving away from historical connections with Moscow.
A new chance for a breakthrough
The Cypriot presidency also intends to work towards ending the division of the island. The last negotiations ended in failure in 2017, but new hopes emerged after the October election of moderate Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.
Christodoulides and Erhurman are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting with the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, on Thursday, December 18 – the first such meeting in several years.
— On the one hand, we need to confirm the agreements reached by 2017, and on the other, start negotiations.
If there is real political will, I believe that a solution to the Cyprus problem is possible.
– said the president.
He also added that Cyprus will try to join the Schengen area next year. — The goal is for us to be technically ready by the end of the year and then for the committee to issue a recommendation to member states in 2026, he said.
Some fear it could lead to a hard border along the current “Green Line” – a buffer zone between the Greek south and the Turkish north of the island. Christodoulides is not afraid of this.
“The free movement of our Turkish Cypriot citizens across the ceasefire line will not be restricted in any way,” he said.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
