- The Republic of Cyprus is one of the smallest EU Member State by population. How is the “voice of a small country” experienced in practice within the institutions of the European Union? Does the size of a state limit a state’s influence, or can it sometimes even make it easier to operate within the EU system?
Cyprus may be one of the smaller EU Member States in terms of population, but within the EU, every Member State has both rights and responsibilities. In practice, this means that each voice matters and smaller countries such as Cyprus have an active role in shaping European policies and decisions. Within the EU institutional framework, influence is not determined only by size alone, but by credibility, expertise, and the ability to build synergies and consensus.
For smaller states, there can even be certain advantages, as their administrations are often more flexible and able to adapt quickly. In addition, smaller Member States frequently act as bridge-builders and honest brokers within negotiations and often develop a culture of dialogue and consensus-building, which can actually become an advantage in the European decision-making process. We have many examples of smaller Member States which have consistently demonstrated constructive engagement and commitment to European values.
The current Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU demonstrates clearly that even a smaller Member State can successfully guide complex European discussions like for example the EU’s next multiannual budget and contribute meaningfully to the Union’s strategic direction. The recent agreement reached under the Cyprus Presidency to establish the Ad Hoc Working Party for the drafting of Montenegro’s Accession Treaty is also a concrete example of this constructive role.
- Since 1 January, Cyprus has held the Presidency of the EU. How challenging is this for a small state, and how much has it strengthened Cyprus’s visibility and role on the European and international stage?
Holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is both a major responsibility and an important opportunity for any Member State, especially for a smaller country such as Cyprus with limited administrative resources. It requires extensive preparation, administrative coordination, and active diplomatic engagement across a wide range of policy areas.
At the same time, the Presidency significantly enhances a country’s visibility and international profile. It allows the Member State holding the Presidency to demonstrate its institutional capacity and its ability to contribute to shaping the European agenda. Through the Presidency, Cyprus has strengthened its role as a reliable and constructive European partner while also highlighting issues of particular importance, including stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, migration management, and EU enlargement.
On the latter issue, enlargement, the European perspective of the Western Balkans is a key priority for the Cyprus Presidency which has so far convened two Inter Governmental Conferences with Montenegro. We were also, particularly pleased to welcome President Milatović to Cyprus recently, where discussions reaffirmed the excellent relations between our two countries and our strong support for Montenegro’s European path.
The progress achieved regarding the establishment of the Ad Hoc Working Party for Montenegro’s Accession Treaty sends a very positive political message and reflects the commitment of the Presidency to keeping enlargement credible and merit-based.
- One of the priorities of Cyprus’s Presidency of the EU is the enlargement policy. Why is the accession of new states important for the EU?
EU enlargement has been one of the Union’s most successful strategic policies and soft power tools. Enlargement is not simply a technical process. It promotes peace, stability, democracy, and prosperity across the European continent. Countries aspiring to join the EU undertake important reforms primarily in areas such as the rule of law, democratic governance, human rights, and economic development.
At the same time, enlargement is a merit-based process. Candidate countries must fully meet the required criteria and demonstrate sustained commitment to European values and reforms. Cyprus strongly supports the European perspective of the Western Balkans and believes that the enlargement process remains a powerful instrument for positive transformation. We strongly support the European perspective of Montenegro and recognize the significant progress the country has made. Montenegro has positioned itself as the most advanced candidate country in the accession process, and the recent developments under the Cypriot Presidency represent another encouraging step forward. Sustained reform momentum and concrete, measurable and irreversible results will be essential for bringing the accession process to a successful conclusion.
- How does Cyprus balance preserving a national identity, language, and cultural distinctiveness with belonging to a shared European identity? Do you think this sense of identity within the Union is becoming stronger?
European identity and national identity are not contradictory; they rather complement one another. The European Union is built precisely on the principle of “unity in diversity.” Cyprus remains deeply proud of its history, traditions, and cultural heritage, while simultaneously embracing its European identity. Each Member State contributes with its own language, culture, history, and traditions to the broader European mosaic.
Membership in the EU actually strengthens awareness of our national distinctiveness because the Union encourages cultural diversity and protects linguistic and cultural heritage. I believe that European identity has gradually become stronger, particularly among younger generations who study, work, and travel more freely across Europe. Programmes such as Erasmus+ have helped create a genuine sense of belonging to a common European space, while still respecting national diversity.
- From Cyprus’s perspective, what have been the most tangible economic benefits of EU membership—particularly in terms of citizens’ living standards, investment, the labour market, and the development of the private sector?
EU membership has brought substantial economic benefits to Cyprus. It has contributed to economic development, increased investor confidence, and improved regulatory standards. Access to the single market has expanded opportunities for Cypriot businesses and strengthened the competitiveness of our economy.
EU financial instruments have significantly supported digital transformation, education, infrastructure, environmental protection, and regional development. Citizens have benefited from improved living standards, stronger consumer protection, and greater employment opportunities. Cypriot businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, have benefited from easier market access, financing instruments, innovation programmes, and cross-border business opportunities.
At the same time, membership in the euro area has enhanced financial stability and facilitated trade and investment.
- How do Cyprus’s companies and citizens make use of the benefits of the European single market today? Are smaller economies on an equal footing with larger ones within this framework?
The European single market provides enormous opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. Cypriot companies can trade freely across the EU, access a market of hundreds of millions of consumers, and participate in European supply chains and investment programmes. For a small economy such as Cyprus, access to a market of this size is particularly valuable. It allows businesses to expand beyond the limitations of a small domestic market and encourages innovation and competitiveness.
For citizens, the single market means freedom of movement, employment opportunities across Europe, recognition of qualifications, and stronger consumer rights. It also facilitates tourism, education, and entrepreneurship.
The single market is designed in such a way so as to ensure fair competition and equal access. Smaller economies can benefit significantly, particularly in sectors where they possess specialized expertise, flexibility, or strategic geographic advantages. Cyprus has successfully developed sectors such as shipping, tourism, financial services, and technology precisely within this European framework.
- EU membership brings new opportunities, especially for young people. There are greater possibilities for studying and employment both at home and abroad. Has Cyprus’s membership of the EU led to young people leaving the country to a greater extent in search of better jobs, or has it contributed to improving living standards and thereby encouraged young people to remain in their own country?
EU membership has undoubtedly expanded opportunities for young Cypriots. Programmes such as Erasmus+ have enabled students to study abroad, gain international experience, and develop valuable skills and networks.
Like other European countries, Cyprus has experienced periods during which young professionals sought opportunities abroad, particularly during times of economic difficulty. However, this mobility should not necessarily be viewed negatively. Many young people eventually return with enhanced experience, knowledge, and international perspectives that benefit the Cypriot economy and society.
Importantly, EU membership has also contributed to improving economic conditions and creating new professional opportunities within Cyprus itself. The development of new sectors such as technology, innovation, research, and services has created attractive opportunities for young professionals at home. The challenge for all European countries today is not to prevent mobility, but to create conditions that allow young people to choose to build their future in their own country if they wish.
- Secure borders and the fight against illegal migration are among the priorities of Cyprus’s Presidency of the EU. Do open borders within the EU cause a greater influx of migrants? And has EU membership changed the way migration is managed?
Migration is one of the most complex challenges Europe faces today with a need to secure strong and effective management of the EU’s external borders. Therefore, migration policy must be approached collectively and in a spirit of shared responsibility among Member States.
For Cyprus, which faces particular geographic and geopolitical pressures, effective migration management is especially important. EU membership has strengthened our ability to address these challenges through greater cooperation, access to European mechanisms and agencies, and coordinated policy frameworks. As a frontline Member State located in a particularly sensitive region, Cyprus understands these challenges very well. Under our Presidency, we have worked to promote comprehensive European solutions that strengthen external borders, combat smuggling networks, improve return procedures, and address the root causes of irregular migration.
- Based on Cyprus’s experience, what would you highlight as the most important message for Montenegro, as the most advanced candidate for EU accession—especially when it comes to the long-term benefits for citizens?
Cyprus’s own experience clearly demonstrates that EU membership can strengthen democratic institutions, improve economic opportunities, enhance legal certainty, and create greater prospects for young people and businesses alike.
The most important message for Montenegro is that EU membership is fundamentally an investment in the future of its citizens and is ultimately about improving their everyday lives. The accession process itself encourages reforms that strengthen institutions, improve governance, reinforce the rule of law, and create greater economic opportunities. it is fundamentally a long-term investment in the quality of life, stability, and prosperity of its citizens.
Montenegro, as the most advanced candidate country, has the opportunity not only to complete this process successfully, but also to inspire confidence in the European future of the entire Western Balkans. EU accession should not be seen as the “end of a process”, but as the beginning of a new chapter — one in which a new Member State participates fully in shaping Europe’s future while preserving its own identity.
The interview was conducted as part of the “Openly About the EU” campaign, led by the Ministry of European Affairs with the support of the EU-funded EU4ME project.