The Silent Phenomenon of Euroscepticism in Cyprus

Abstract

Accession to the European Union is a new chapter in the history of a country. The European project aims at peace, security, freedom, and social justice, the elimination of discrimination, respect for diversity, social and economic development, the promotion of democratic values and the protection of human rights. At the same time, it relies on the establishment of an internal market and a monetary union, as every member state should adopt the euro. Cyprus entered the EU in 2004, because of the prospects and the benefits the island could enjoy within the Union, similarly to any other member state. However, being a de facto divided country since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, Cyprus constitutes a unique case within the EU. The Cyprus problem and the Turkish demands over the island make EU membership a necessity for the stability of the island. Therefore, while in other countries Eurosceptic politics flourish or are on the rise, in Cyprus Euroscepticism poses a minor threat. The party system on the island revolves around the Cyprus problem and the political culture is influenced, to a very great extent, by this national problem. Hence, while in other member states Eurosceptics preach that the EU undermines the sovereignty of their countries, in Cyprus the EU is seen as a guarantor of the island’s sovereignty and security. In this article, we start our analysis with an examination of the theoretical framework and a description of the two interrelated terms: Euroscepticism and populism. Then, we explore the phenomenon of Euroscepticism in the EU and how it affects the politics of the member states. The analysis reaches the conclusion that because of the Cyprus problem, Cyprus constitutes a case where Euroscepticism has no serious foothold.