Cyprus, historically a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, is charting a new course in its foreign policy with a long-term strategy to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This marks a significant shift for the Mediterranean island nation, which has sought to balance its diplomatic relationships for decades.
A Gradual Realignment
The shift toward NATO alignment was highlighted during Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’s visit to Washington, D.C., on October 30, 2024. This meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden marked the first official visit of a Cypriot leader to the U.S. capital in nearly three decades. According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, the two leaders discussed a meticulously designed plan to bring Cyprus closer to NATO, emphasizing the importance of a step-by-step approach.
President Christodoulides, who assumed office in February 2022, has been a staunch advocate of strengthening Cyprus’s ties with the United States. He has fully supported Western-led sanctions against Russia, aligning with broader European Union policies. His administration views NATO membership as a strategic move to bolster the island’s security and geopolitical significance.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan described Cyprus’s plan as a “win-win option,” acknowledging the intricate steps required for implementation.
Obstacles on the Path to Membership
Despite the enthusiasm, Cyprus’s NATO aspirations face significant hurdles. Chief among them is opposition from Turkiye, a NATO member since 1952. Turkiye’s objections are deeply rooted in the unresolved Cyprus conflict, which has divided the island since 1974. Following a coup by Greek Cypriots and an attempted annexation to Greece, Turkiye intervened militarily, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in 1983.
Today, 37% of the island is controlled by the TRNC, which is recognized only by Turkiye. Greek Cypriots have consistently advocated for a solution based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation as per United Nations resolutions. In contrast, Turkish Cypriots, led by Ersin Tatar, demand recognition of their sovereignty before resuming reunification talks.
The enduring impasse between the two communities has stymied efforts for a political settlement. A failed negotiation in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017 remains a poignant reminder of the challenges ahead. Progress in Cyprus-Turkiye relations is essential for NATO membership but remains a contentious issue.
U.S. and NATO Support
The United States has reportedly endorsed Cyprus’s gradual integration plan into NATO. This includes a phased rapprochement between Cyprus and Turkiye, with the broader aim of fostering regional stability. President Christodoulides also discussed the plan with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the European Political Community summit in Bucharest.
For Cyprus, NATO membership could offer enhanced security guarantees and greater geopolitical leverage within the European Union and the Eastern Mediterranean. However, as a divided island, meeting NATO’s stringent conditions—particularly resolving the Cyprus conflict remains a formidable challenge.
Broader Implications
Cyprus’s strategic pivot reflects a broader geopolitical realignment in the region. The island’s location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa makes it a critical player in regional security dynamics. Joining NATO could solidify Cyprus’s role as a stabilizing force while addressing its long-standing security concerns.
However, this move also risks exacerbating tensions with Turkiye, a critical but often contentious NATO ally. Turkiye’s influence over the Turkish Cypriot community and its strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean underscore the complexity of Cyprus’s NATO aspirations.
Conclusion
As Cyprus embarks on this ambitious plan, its leaders face a delicate balancing act. The path to NATO membership is laden with geopolitical challenges, requiring consensus-building both domestically and internationally. While the ultimate goal of joining NATO remains distant, the effort signifies a transformative moment in Cyprus’s foreign policy and its pursuit of enhanced security and global integration.
