Euronews reporter Valerie Gauriat recently visited Cyprus to engage with young people from both sides of the island’s long-standing divide, highlighting their perspectives on the future amid ongoing partition. The conversations revealed a profound desire among these youth to move beyond the entrenched “blame game.” Turkish Cypriot Berk Tansel, 28, expressed how his generation is keen to recognize their collective identity despite differences. Similarly, Greek Cypriot Christiana Eftychiou, 22, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for friendship built on a shared commitment to reunification. Their connection illustrates a growing grassroots movement among the younger population that seeks to challenge historical narratives and work toward a common future.
The backdrop to these youthful aspirations is the partition of Cyprus, which has persisted since 1974, following a Greek-backed coup that incited Turkish military intervention. The island remains divided between the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized solely by Turkey. This division complicates the lives of residents, particularly in the north, where EU law is absent, leaving citizens outside the protections and rights afforded by the European Union. Berk highlights his experience of living in the occupation area, noting the corruption, human trafficking, and lack of basic rights that characterize life under these conditions.
Both Berk and Christiana advocate for a framework that aligns with United Nations resolutions, promoting a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation where EU laws apply throughout the island. Berk emphasizes that genuine progress can only occur through this agreed-upon structure, which would alleviate the legal and humanitarian issues that plague the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. On the other hand, Christiana places her faith in grassroots initiatives, calling for a transformation in societal narratives cultivated through education and daily interactions. She believes that fostering understanding and exposure between communities is vital to dismantling the fearful perception of “the other,” which perpetuates division.
Despite the optimism expressed by the youth, experts recognize the complexities hindering official reunification talks. Hubert Faustmann, a professor in Cyprus, notes that the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with Turkish Cypriots now demanding recognition of their sovereignty as a prerequisite for negotiations. This hardline stance poses challenges for the Greek Cypriot side and the international community, which is unlikely to accept such conditions. Additionally, the European Union’s potential role remains contentious, with Turkey and Turkish Cypriots rejecting EU involvement due to the imbalance created by the Republic of Cyprus’s membership.
Faustmann characterizes the Cyprus situation as a conflict management issue rather than one poised for resolution. He suggests that the status quo is likely to persist, with both sides entrenched in their respective positions, leading to a scenario where the island drifts towards permanent partition. The complex interplay of political demands from both communities, alongside external influences from the EU and Turkey, makes the prospect of reunification increasingly bleak.
In conclusion, the voices heard by Gauriat reflect a burgeoning desire for change among Cyprus’s younger generation, guided by a vision of unity and shared identity. However, the entrenched political realities and mutual distrust rooted in decades of conflict pose significant barriers to their dreams of a reconciled future. Without concerted action—be it grassroots initiatives or formal political negotiations—the divide is likely to remain a defining feature of Cypriot life for years to come.
