EUROPEANISATION OF TURKISH CYPRIOT COMMUNITY IN NORTH CYPRUS

Olakunle Olowojolu & Modupe Ake

Department of Political Science & International Relations

PMB 1001, Landmark University Omu-Aran, Nigeria.

E-mail: kunleolowojolu@yahoo.co.uk; akemodupe@gmail.com

Abstract: Cyprus is an Island in the Mediterranean region divided along ethnic lines. The small country that gained independence from Great Britain in 1960 was thrown into chaos after the clamour for Enosis gained currency amongst Greek Cypriots who wanted to become part of mainland Greece. In 1974, the Turkish armed forces intervened in Cyprus in order to stop a coup orchestrated by the Greek government and also to provide a buffer zone for the Turkish Cypriots. Turkey’s incursion led to the displacement of many Cypriots and subsequently the Island was divided into South and North Cyprus. The Southern part is largely occupied by the Greeks, while the North is dominated by Turkish Cypriots. Despite the 1983 declaration of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, the International community has refused to recognize the state. Meanwhile, the Greek side of Cyprus (South) was given full EU membership status in 2004. Several efforts have been made by international actors to resolve the dispute between the two warring factions with minimal success. Since 2006, EU has maintained an aid programme aimed at bringing the Turkish Cypriot Community closer to EU’s policies, rules and regulations. This paper will attempt to know to what extent has the EU succeeded in integrating Turkish Cypriots into EU through the aid programme. Can we say that Turkish Cypriots are being Europeanized? For the Turkish Cypriots to have a real sense of belonging in Europe, the paper advocates for the recognition of Turkish Republic of North Cyprus by the international community.