However, when Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, the number and configuration of the sides changed. Now the EU is up against the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and Turkey. The substance of the Cyprus issue has changed and the definition of the issue by the parties has evolved. But Cyprus’ strategic importance has never faded.Those who claimed that Turkey’s arguments about security on Cyprus were exaggerated and that its so-called strategic importance was manipulated in order to justify the presence of Turkish troops on the island have launched an initiative that will only legitimize Turkish arguments. Cyprus is strategically important for Turkey because of Turkey’s own security and Turkey has always argued that Cyprus constitutes the base for power politics in the Middle East. Moreover, Turkey has been accused of not taking the islanders’ wishes into consideration. Today the situation seems to be the opposite. Turkey cares about islanders’ future while others give priority to strategic concerns.
The island’s importance was highlighted by Greek Cyprus’ decision to designate 13 oil exploration areas surrounding the island, including the territorial seas of the KKTC, and an agreement on an exclusive economic zone with Lebanon in order to regulate oil and gas exploitation. The Greek Cypriots can expect economic gain from these resources and use it to blackmail the northern part of the island. But in reality, there is much more at stake than Greek Cypriot concerns about energy resources. The EU is concerned about Russia’s misuse of its energy and is looking for new supply lines. This reorientation includes finding alternative energy resources. A very small portion of energy resources of the world are still in the gray zones where no great power has control. Some EU members are trying to reach those areas. In this regard, Greek Cyprus’s partnership with Lebanon is significant.
Greek Cyprus didn’t choose Lebanon by itself. Lebanon is stuck between the realities of the Middle East and Europe’s miscalculations. It is perceived by France and those who act with France as a gateway to the region. It is now easier to understand why Greek Cyprus and France have acted together during the rocky times of the Turkey-EU relationship. But don’t forget that Europe has only limited access to Lebanon due to Israel and Lebanese citizens. That’s why arguments in strategic terms can lead to the same kind of mistakes the US made in Iraq. Trying to add a connection between Lebanon and Cyprus to all of this will only make thinks worst for Europe. Besides, no one can expect to keep the US away when energy is at stake.
To establish a connection between Lebanon and Cyprus means to draw a line in front of states willing to be influential in the eastern Mediterranean. But to do this without regards to the Turkish Cypriots would be another mistake for the EU. This would strengthen Turkey’s arguments about unjust treatment and strategic importance.
