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The Greek Cyprus Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) wants to use its upcoming European Union Council presidency to reduce tensions with Türkiye in exchange for progress on joining NATO's Partnership for Peace program, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides told Politico, according to Greek media outlet Kathimerini on Thursday.
"We can envision a gradual approach with steps from Türkiye for Greek Cyprus's accession to the NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) and, in parallel, positive steps in EU-Türkiye relations, always in combination with the resumption of talks for resolving the Cyprus problem within the agreed framework," Christodoulides reportedly said in an interview.
According to the Greek Cypriot leader, the key is persuading Türkiye to agree to Greek Cyprus joining the PfP program, which is considered a first step toward NATO membership.
In return, Greek Cyprus would gradually remove 'obstacles' to closer cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Türkiye, as it is well known that the Greek Cypriot administration blocks Ankara's every step that includes the EU, as a latest example, Türkiye's bid to join the Security Action Program (SAFE) program.
Christodoulides said the Greek Cypriot administration is aware of its institutional role and is ready to invite President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the informal Council meeting scheduled to take place in Greek Cyprus on April 23-24.
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The Greek Cypriot leader said he has already discussed the proposal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The Greek Cypriot leader characterized Greek Cyprus's accession to the alliance as "a natural development" that has not occurred due to "political conditions." NATO members can veto a country's attempt to join the alliance, and Türkiye refuses to allow Greek Cyprus's membership.
However, Christodoulides claims that "Türkiye is the one that has been excluded" from the EU's SAFE defense program because it has not reached a security agreement with the bloc.
"There are specific conditions that must be met for participation in SAFE, as in the EU accession process. It is not à la carte," Christodoulides said.
When Greek Cyprus assumes the rotating presidency of the European Council in January, it will set the agenda for EU ministerial meetings and lead negotiations on EU legislation with the European Parliament.
Although Greek Cyprus is not a NATO member, it intends to place defense, security, and the war in Ukraine at the top of its presidency agenda, according to Kathimerini's report. A key issue will be shaping an EU response to the Ukraine peace plan promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Christodoulides characterized the Trump peace effort as "not perfect, but it is important to have a proposal on the table."
"Trump's election sends a message to the EU that America cannot be taken for granted, so as an EU, we must do more and cooperate more with each other to be able to face any challenges," Christodoulides said.
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