Cyprus Issue

The Cyprus problem is a complex issue that has persisted since the collapse of the Republic of Cyprus in the 1960s and the division of the island following the Turkish intervention in 1974. This conflict has involved regional powers over maritime jurisdictions and natural gas resources, as well as ethnically based political divisions. However, recent signs of a revival have emerged through the efforts of the UN's "Good Offices" and the oversight of UNFICYP. The parties have expressed their willingness to restart negotiations—especially since mid-2025—and are reportedly considering new opportunities for talks through the UN (UN reports and UN Office). At the same time, the renewed support for peace talks by more moderate leaders elected in Northern Cyprus in the autumn of 2025 has strengthened expectations that the negotiations could be revived. however, the exploration for natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, which defines the island’s maritime jurisdiction areas, continues to be a factor generating tensions between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey (and the Turkish side) — for example, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) agreements recently signed by Cyprus with Lebanon have drawn objections from Ankara, while Nicosia is attempting to consolidate its regional exclusive rights through such agreements. The issue of energy discoveries and maritime border agreements also impacts Greece-Turkey relations and EU-Turkey dynamics; diplomatic debates within the EU have direct repercussions on the management of Cyprus’s EU accession and energy security in the region, and there is a close link between Turkey’s regional influence and the economic future of Eastern Mediterranean energy projects. From a chronological perspective today: while the UN and Security Council reports and the observations of UNFICYP for the 2024–2025 period reflect the intention to pave the way for a peace process; The autumn 2025 leadership declarations, political changes in Northern and Southern Cyprus, and regional energy agreements—especially the EEZ arrangements signed with Lebanon—simultaneously highlight both the opportunities (renewed dialogue, potential for economic cooperation, support through the EU) and the risks (tensions with Turkey, security of energy resources, escalation of regional geopolitical tensions) of negotiations. Consequently, the Cyprus issue is no longer merely an internal political dispute on the island; it remains a key issue shaping the energy geopolitics, EU-Turkey relations, and regional security balances in the Eastern Mediterranean. Recent developments (UN leadership, the parties' willingness to negotiate, and maritime jurisdiction agreements) have direct economic and security implications for both regional countries and international actors.

https://docs.un.org/en/S/2025/447?direct=true

https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/11/29/cyprus-ready-for-peace-talks-ahead-of-year-end-president-says

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/insider/cyprus-lebanon-maritime-deal-strong-despite-turkey-attempts

https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1288108/cyprus-president-reaffirms-readiness-for-talks-with-ankara-on-maritime-borders

https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/gas-and-geopolitics-in-the-eastern-mediterranean