Cyprus: A Divided Island Coping with the Financial Crisis Building Bridges Paper Series
Both politically and economically, Cyprus retains mixed feelings toward the benefits of its EU membership. The country remains divided in two parts despite the “European solution”, which should have solved the situation. The economic crisis has also left a bitter taste in the mouths of Cypriots, especially considering the events that led to the bail-in programme. Overall, the experience has disillusioned the population.
Three facts and beliefs explain why the younger generation does not feel a strong attachment to the EU: the distance from Brussels and mainland Europe; a perception of disappointment with the EU; a failure to communicate the EU adequately.
Cyprus remains committed to further integration, however, a better Europe does not necessarily mean more, but rather greater cooperation among Member States. On a related note, the EU needs to better appreciate the fact that its Member States are not all similar. Small countries, in particular, have fewer resources available to cope with specific policies.