Cyprus and its Accession to the European Union. ZEI Discussion Papers: 1999, C 47

[From the Introduction]. The issue of accession is one of the most important foreign policy issues for us, because, similarly with the other candidates from Central and Eastern Europe, Cyprus aspires to find its proper role in Europe and to secure a better future for its people within the framework of the European Union. The success of Cyprus’ quest for full integration in the EU will be a historic development which will allow our small country to realise its full potential in the ever-evolving European construction, on the threshold of the third millennium. I have chosen as a starting point to emphasise the future. It certainly looks promising for Cyprus, as a prospective member state of the Union. But how is this common future being shaped on the Continent itself ? As a uniquely successful venture in the history of mankind, the European Union finds itself at a very important crossroad, necessitating new approaches both in terms of its institutional structures and the ambit of its policies. At the same time, it has already embarked on its fifth enlargement, opening its doors to European countries who share the same ideals, political principles and aspirations with the fifteen member states. The Union seeks to assert its own stake in the future of the European Continent, aiming, also through economic and monetary union, at creating those conditions which will guarantee a stable and secure environment