Exploring the linkage between EU accession and conflict resolution: the Cyprus case

„Progress towards accession and towards a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem will naturally reinforce each other.“ The belief that Cyprus’ EU membership would act as a catalyst for the reunification of the island, echoed in these words by the British Foreign Minister, Robin Cook, sets the theme of this book. After a theoretical analysis of the catalytic potential of the EU, the author provides detailed examinations of the EU’s handling of Cyprus’ membership bid and of the dynamics of the conflict in the twelve-and-a-half year period between the submission of the membership application in July 1990 and the sealing of Cyprus’ entry in December 2002. In presenting her arguments, the author makes extensive use of EU and UN documents as well as news sources. This book is targeted at final year undergraduates, postgraduates, and anyone interested in EU enlargement, conflict resolution and the Cyprus issue.