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Despite all efforts to have a fully-fledged strategic partnership between the EU and NATO, such a genuine strategic partnership has still not been achieved because of various obstacles. Cyprus conflict is one of the main obstacles that have decreased EU-NATO cooperation in the context of security and defense.
At the political level, the conflict has caused restricted participation, narrow agenda and informal meetings between the two organizations. Since Turkey does not recognize the ‘Republic of Cyprus' officially and Cyprus has not concluded the PfP agreement with NATO, Turkey does not allow the Greek Cypriot Administration to attend the EU-NATO meetings. Because Cyprus is not at the table, the EU does not want to discuss any points outside of the ‘Berlin Plus' Agreement. This situation has blocked the EU-NATO cooperation on fundamental security issues. With the initiatives of some members of the two organizations, their officials meet informally. But these meetings do not lead to any concrete and official results.
At the military-strategic level, the conflict has decreased the dialogue between the EU and NATO. The lack of dialogue at military level has caused duplication and inefficient uses of resources. In addition, the conflict has increased institutional strictness within the EU, which has resulted in the EU-led missions without NATO support. On the ground, Cyprus has rejected the use of the EU capabilities by NATO and Turkey also does not allow the EU to use the NATO capabilities and assets. Turkey refuses such a share because it does not have oversight or control over the EU-led missions where Turkey cannot participate in since Cyprus rejects. On the ground, difficult negotiations are taking place. This situation has caused unnecessary risks for the troops in the fields and impedes both organizations from assessing the strength and weaknesses of the operations in order to promote the best methods for future missions.
The conflict has to definitely be solved soon since the EU-NATO strategic partnership is vital for the security, stability and peace in the world. For the resolution, there are possible measures that need to be taken soon by all the related parties involved.
Firstly, the EU should not permit Cyprus and other member states to block the opening of chapters in Turkey's EU accession negotiations. Turkey's smooth EU accession process will alleviate Turkey's attitude towards an ambitious CSDP and increasing cooperation between the EU and NATO.
Secondly, the EU should also put pressure on Cyprus to not block Turkey's EDA membership and Turkey's more active role in the CSDP. Moreover, the EU should keep its promises for consultation with Turkish officials in case the EU wishes to deploy a mission in the regions where Turkey has crucial security interests.
Thirdly, the EU countries with bigger weight such as France, Germany, the UK and Italy should take on more responsibilities and be more constructive in order to find a solution for the deadlock caused by the Cyprus conflict.
Fourthly, there should be cooperation by the ‘quadruple’ of NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen, High Representative and Vice-President Catherine Ashton, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Stefan Füle and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for resolution of the Cyprus conflict. They should meet regularly in order to find a solution to the conflict and to unify the island.
Finally, in order to solve the conflict soon, there should be an international conference which might lead to various solution proposals from the different perspectives of the international, local, and regional organizations.
At the military-strategic level, the conflict has decreased the dialogue between the EU and NATO. The lack of dialogue at military level has caused duplication and inefficient uses of resources. In addition, the conflict has increased institutional strictness within the EU, which has resulted in the EU-led missions without NATO support. On the ground, Cyprus has rejected the use of the EU capabilities by NATO and Turkey also does not allow the EU to use the NATO capabilities and assets. Turkey refuses such a share because it does not have oversight or control over the EU-led missions where Turkey cannot participate in since Cyprus rejects. On the ground, difficult negotiations are taking place. This situation has caused unnecessary risks for the troops in the fields and impedes both organizations from assessing the strength and weaknesses of the operations in order to promote the best methods for future missions.
The conflict has to definitely be solved soon since the EU-NATO strategic partnership is vital for the security, stability and peace in the world. For the resolution, there are possible measures that need to be taken soon by all the related parties involved.
Firstly, the EU should not permit Cyprus and other member states to block the opening of chapters in Turkey's EU accession negotiations. Turkey's smooth EU accession process will alleviate Turkey's attitude towards an ambitious CSDP and increasing cooperation between the EU and NATO.
Secondly, the EU should also put pressure on Cyprus to not block Turkey's EDA membership and Turkey's more active role in the CSDP. Moreover, the EU should keep its promises for consultation with Turkish officials in case the EU wishes to deploy a mission in the regions where Turkey has crucial security interests.
Thirdly, the EU countries with bigger weight such as France, Germany, the UK and Italy should take on more responsibilities and be more constructive in order to find a solution for the deadlock caused by the Cyprus conflict.
Fourthly, there should be cooperation by the ‘quadruple’ of NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen, High Representative and Vice-President Catherine Ashton, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Stefan Füle and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for resolution of the Cyprus conflict. They should meet regularly in order to find a solution to the conflict and to unify the island.
Finally, in order to solve the conflict soon, there should be an international conference which might lead to various solution proposals from the different perspectives of the international, local, and regional organizations.
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