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Concerns are growing within NATO and the European Union (EU) over the Greek Cyprus Administration (GCA) EU presidency beginning in January amid longstanding tensions with Türkiye and fears they could complicate Europe’s defense agenda, according to CNN Greece, citing Politico.
Diplomats in NATO and the EU are worried that Greek Cyprus's disputes with Türkiye and its opposition to closer EU-Türkiye military cooperation could affect defense priorities as the bloc focuses on security integration, Politico reported.
A senior European Commission official said the Commission is “very worried” that Greek Cyprus could allow its hostility toward Türkiye to influence Europe’s defense priorities.
Officials pointed to disputes over Ankara's bid to participate in joint procurements financed by the EU's SAFE program, valued at €150 billion, as well as broader EU-NATO integration. European officials said Greek Cyprus opposes Türkiye's inclusion in SAFE and deeper EU-NATO cooperation.
Greek Cyprus's role is viewed as a significant challenge for an island of about 1.3 million people that remains divided. Greek Cyprus previously held the EU presidency in 2012.
Greek Cyprus has said it will seek to improve relations. Speaking to Politico, Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Christodoulides said the "key" is persuading Türkiye to accept GCA's entry into the Partnership for Peace program, considered a first step toward NATO membership.
Christodoulides said Greek Cyprus could then gradually lift obstacles to closer EU-Türkiye cooperation.
"We can envision a gradual approach, with steps by Türkiye for Cyprus’ inclusion in the ‘Partnership for Peace’ and, at the same time, positive steps in EU-Türkiye relations," he said.
The EU presidency rotates every six months among member states. The holder chairs ministerial meetings and represents member states in legislative talks with the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Greek Cypriot officials said defense, security, and support for Ukraine will be top priorities. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna told Politico that these issues would be central during the Greek Cyprus EU presidency.
However, a NATO diplomat said continued hostility between Greek Cyprus and Türkiye could undermine efforts to strengthen defense ties with Ankara.
"We must show unity" against the Russian threat, the diplomat said, adding that excluding Türkiye from upcoming EU defense plans would "undermine that goal."
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