Cyprus and EU enlargement to the Western Balkans: a balancing act*. Issue 4 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ioannides, Isabelle
• Is Part Of: Journal of southeast European and Black Sea studies. Volume 17:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 631
• Page End: 647
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Cyprus -- Western Balkans -- foreign policy -- conflict -- Kosovo -- fYROM/Macedonia -- EU enlargement; Balkan Peninsula -- Economic conditions -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Balkan Peninsula -- Politics and government -- 1989- -- Periodicals; Geopolitics -- Balkan Peninsula -- Periodicals; Black Sea Region -- Economic conditions -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Black Sea Region -- Politics and government -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Geopolitics -- Black Sea Region -- Periodicals; 330.9496
• DOI: 10.1080/14683857.2017.1397955
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-3857

Abstract

Abstract: Cyprus' commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans is shaped by a range of factors. As well as balancing its national interests, it also aims to stand by a 'position of principles' on conflict issues. It equally seeks to be a reliable partner to the EU and move closer to its Western allies, while accommodating its Eastern ones. Nevertheless, over the last 10 years, Nicosia has Europeanised its policies and thinking. This has seen it reach out to Kosovo to try and build de facto relations. However, since the 'national problem' remains at the core of its foreign policy, relations with 'motherland' Greece are also key. This has in turn complicated dealings with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Overall, Cyprus remains more firmly focused on the Middle East, making it a rather peripheral actor in the Western Balkan countries' EU integration process.