Is Cyprus moving closer to reunification?

Nov 25, 2025

Guest

Kathleen Doherty

Mete Hatay, a Turkish Cypriot academic, sheds light on the historical roots of Cyprus's division since 1974. Political analyst Lefteris Adilinis discusses the new Turkish Cypriot leader's pro-federation stance but warns of challenges ahead. Dr. Dorothée Schmid highlights the island's geopolitical significance and rising tensions over resources. Former ambassador Kathleen Doherty assesses the current momentum for reunification talks and the crucial requirements for progress, offering a glimmer of cautious optimism amidst deep-rooted challenges.

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INSIGHT

Root Causes Of The Cyprus Division

Cyprus split stems from competing nationalisms and constitutional breakdown after independence in 1960.
The 1974 events and population exchanges hardened separation and created the Green Line buffer zone.

ANECDOTE

Communities Split Into Enclaves

Turkish Cypriots formed self-governing enclaves and created temporary administrations before 1974.
After 1974 many people were displaced and the island became homogenised north and south.

INSIGHT

International Status And Economic Dependence

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey, leaving EU law suspended in the north.
Economic dependence on the Turkish lira links northern Cypriot hardship to Turkey's economy.

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The Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the north after a military coup backed by Greece. Since then, the northern third has been run by a Turkish Cypriot government. This self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised as an independent state only by Turkey, while the rest of the world sees it as part of Cyprus. The southern two-thirds of the island is run by an internationally recognised government led by Greek Cypriots. Whilst the physical division between the two is maintained by a United Nations peacekeeping force.

Negotiations aimed at reunification have been attempted over the years and stalled. One of the biggest barriers has been the differences over what a future settlement would look like, with Turkey pushing for a two-state solution and the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The last formal attempt, supported by the United Nations, was in 2017 and took place in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. And even though informal talks have continued since then, there has been little progress. Key sticking points remain over issues including political equality and what it means between the two communities, issues of governance and security.

But in October of this year, a new Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, was elected. He supports federation and is in favour of the resumption of reunification talks.

So, this week on The Inquiry we’re asking, ‘Is Cyprus moving closer to reunification?’

Contributors: Mete Hatay, Senior Research Consultant, PRIO Cyprus Centre, Oslo, Norway Lefteris Adilinis, Political Analyst, Cyprus Dr. Dorothée Schmid, Director, Middle East Programme, French Institute of International Relations, Paris, France Kathleen Doherty, Former United States Ambassador to Cyprus, USA

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Maeve Schaffer Production Management Assistant: Liam Morrey Technical Producer: James Bradshaw Editor: Tom Bigwood

(Photo: A United Nations worker rides bike through the UN Buffer Zone. Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)