Cyprus

The Presidential Palace in Nicosia. (Photo: European Commission)

Cyprus has a population of 760,000 and an area of 9,251 km².
It has been a member of the EU since May 1^st 2004 and has had an Association agreement since 1972.

It applied for membership in 1990. It obtained the possibility of EU membership at the summit in Copenhagen in December 2002.

Notes

• In 1974, the island was invaded by Turkey, which still occupies the northern part.
• A UN plan for a peaceful unification of the island in 2004 has not yet been accepted by the Greek part of Cyprus.
• The Turkish part has accepted the plan, but will only become part of the EU once the Greek part accepts the plan.
• In January 2003, 50,000 of the 200,000 Turkish Cypriots demonstrated in favour of the UN peace plan and reunification of Cyprus in the EU.

• Now, although the entire Island is officially member of the EU, the Acquis Commaunautaire only applies to the Greek part. 

  - In order to become full member of the EU, the Turkish part will need the consent of the Greek Cypriots. 

Links

http://www.kypros.org/

http://www.cyprus.gov.cy

http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/cyprus/index.htm

http://www.europarl.eu.int/enl....../applicants/cyprus_home_en.htm