The Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus (GASC) began its second term as President of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2026, following Denmark and concluding the current trio with Poland and Denmark.

EU Membership of the Greek Cypriot Administration

Despite Türkiye’s objections, the GASC joined the EU on 1 May 2004 as part of the fifth enlargement wave together with Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia following its unilateral and legally questionable application submitted on 4 July 1990. Since that date, the EU membership of the GASC has become a chronic issue in Türkiye–EU relations.

Although Turkish Cypriots objected, the GASC’s application was accepted by the European Commission in 1993. Despite constitutional provisions allowing the Turkish Cypriot Vice President to veto foreign policy decisions and the Treaty of Guarantee forbidding union with another state, the EU included the GASC in its enlargement process at the 1994 Corfu Summit. Accession negotiations began in 1998, the treaty was signed in 2003, and the GASC joined the EU in 2004, with the EU recognising it as the 'Republic of Cyprus.'

In 2004, Türkiye, which had been expecting the announcement of a date to begin accession negotiations at the Brussels Summit, reacted strongly to the granting of full membership to the GASC. Following this development, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasising that, as noted in the UN Secretary-General’s report dated 1 April 2003 and endorsed by the UN Security Council, the GASC’s candidacy process had a unique character due to being subject to an international dispute, and that the GASC’s EU membership would in no way affect Türkiye’s rights and obligations regarding Cyprus.

Pursuant to the decision taken by the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on 11 December 2006, Türkiye was expected to fulfil the requirements of the Additional Protocol by opening its ports and airports to the GASC. Until this obligation was met, eight chapters related to the Customs Union would remain closed, and no chapter would be provisionally opened.

The chapters suspended under this decision were as follows:

• Chapter 1: Free Movement of Goods
• Chapter 3: Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services
• Chapter 9: Financial Services
• Chapter 11: Agriculture and Rural Development
• Chapter 13: Fisheries
• Chapter 14: Transport Policy
• Chapter 29: Customs Union
• Chapter 30: External Relations

Following this decision, Türkiye’s accession negotiations stalled, and Türkiye was subjected to political blockages. In 2009, the Council reconsidered the decision not to open these eight chapters. During the meeting, the GASC objected to reviewing the decision and demanded additional sanctions against Türkiye. When other member states did not support this demand, the GASC unilaterally announced that it would veto six additional chapters.

The chapters vetoed by the GASC were:

• Chapter 2: Free Movement of Workers
• Chapter 15: Energy
• Chapter 23: Judiciary and Fundamental Rights
• Chapter 24: Justice, Freedom and Security
• Chapter 26: Education and Culture
• Chapter 31: Foreign, Security and Defence Policy

Today, the Cyprus issue remains a key factor contributing to the deadlock not only in the accession negotiations but also in Türkiye–EU relations as a whole.

Priorities of the GASC Presidency

Poland, Denmark, and the GASC determined three guiding principles for the 18-month trio Council Presidency: “a strong and secure Europe,” “a competitive Europe,” and “a free and democratic Europe.” Additionally, the GASC announced that it adopted the slogan “An Open and Autonomous Union” to emphasise the importance it attaches to foreign relations, independence, and global engagement.

The priorities of the Presidency are outlined as follows:

• Autonomy through Security, Defence Readiness and Preparedness

The GASC Presidency underlines that the path to a secure Europe lies in reducing dependencies in the defence sector and enabling Europe to defend itself through increased autonomy. It is emphasised that security is no longer addressed within outdated definitions and frameworks; instead, a multidimensional understanding of security is adopted, focusing on expanding security capacity by reducing risks and strengthening preventive capabilities.

At a time when threats to Europe’s security and stability are increasing, hybrid attacks, airspace violations, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine highlight the need to reduce defence dependencies and achieve strategic autonomy. In this context, the rapid implementation of initiatives such as the White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the Readiness Roadmap 2030 is prioritised. Developing EU–NATO relations in an inclusive and beneficial manner, advancing policies in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and supporting climate adaptation and water resilience strategies are also among the priorities. Emphasis is also placed on the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, combating disinformation and threats to democracy, ensuring children’s online safety, fighting antisemitism and Islamophobia, and preventing intolerance and racism. Furthermore, the need for swift and effective action against organised crime, terrorism, and violent crime is highlighted.

• Autonomy Through Competitiveness

Priority will be placed on advancing comprehensive proposals designed to support the growth of small businesses, streamline EU regulatory frameworks, and reduce bureaucratic burdens, with the objective of fostering a more self-sufficient European industrial ecosystem. Completing the Single Market, modernising industry, steering green and digital transitions, securing critical raw materials, strengthening clean technology supply chains, and reducing energy vulnerabilities are also listed among the objectives. In addition to strengthening energy grid infrastructure and promoting clean energy, enhancing interregional connectivity through key energy corridors is highlighted. European ports and inland waterway industries are expected to lead the clean and digital transition, ensuring maritime security and strengthening Europe’s maritime leadership.

• Open to the World, Autonomous

This priority emphasises that while preserving the EU’s autonomy and motivation to deepen integration, the Union must not compromise on acting on the basis of global cooperation. Accordingly, increasing the EU’s global visibility and strengthening partnerships worldwide are targeted. EU enlargement is described as a vision that unites Europe and expands the area of peace, democracy, security, and stability. It is underlined that accession processes of candidate countries, including Türkiye, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan states, will progress under fair conditions and on a merit-based approach. It is also emphasised that the EU should be regarded as an open Union to all neighbours in the East and South, and that during its Presidency, the GASC will work to revitalise relations with the Union’s Southern partners and the Gulf. Attention is also drawn to the concrete and results-oriented cooperation framework offered by the newly announced New Mediterranean Pact.

The Presidency aims to deepen strategic cooperation with Middle Eastern and Gulf partners and strengthen the EU’s presence in the region by supporting closer relations with regional organisations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League. Intercultural and interfaith dialogue is highlighted as a key priority for fostering social cohesion and long-term stability. Cooperation with the United States, the United Kingdom, and other like-minded partners will be enhanced to promote global peace and stability. In response to tensions in international trade, diversifying external partnerships, expanding the network of trade agreements, strengthening multilateral systems such as the World Trade Organisation, and ensuring effective implementation of existing agreements are emphasised. Additionally, the EU’s capacity to respond to global crises will be further strengthened by creating strong synergies between emergency aid and long-term development, particularly through the Global Gateway initiative.

• An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves No One Behind

It is emphasised that strengthening Europe’s autonomy through public participation and shared values is a key objective. In this context, reinforcing the rule of law, enhancing social cohesion, combating poverty, and ensuring access to affordable housing and energy are identified as priority areas. The implementation of the European Child Guarantee to protect and support children, combat cyberbullying, and promote digital well-being is highlighted. Gender equality, equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, and intergenerational solidarity will also be supported. Investments will be made in education, training, and lifelong learning to adapt to digital and green transitions, and resilient working conditions will be developed for farmers and fishers. Recognising that young people play a central role in Europe’s future, youth-friendly policies will be promoted. Within the healthcare domain, efforts will focus on enhancing access, fostering innovation, and building resilience to advance the European Health Union, placing special emphasis on mental health and inclusive, stakeholder-driven policymaking.

• A Long-Term Budget for an Autonomous Union

It is noted that strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy through adequate financing for shared objectives is a key goal. Against this backdrop, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 is presented as a strategic roadmap for operationalising long-term priorities through concrete actions. The new budget is expected to protect EU interests, reduce critical dependencies, enhance competitiveness, enable rapid and independent responses to crises and security risks, and accommodate future enlargements. The Presidency aims to significantly advance negotiations on all sectoral legislative files by building on existing progress and working constructively and transparently with all relevant actors. The objective is to establish a mature and constructive negotiating approach that will facilitate timely conclusions within the Council.

Key Takeaways from the GASC Presidency Priorities

It is strongly emphasised that the Presidency is being assumed in an environment of intense geopolitical turmoil and unpredictability. While this is not unprecedented, the scale, number, and complexity of current crises are described as far greater than in the past. In this context, it is underlined that Europe needs greater autonomy and unity, free from divisions, to overcome current crises and advance the integration process.

The concept of European autonomy is presented as a multidimensional and layered structure, extending from security and defence to energy and trade, competitiveness, green transition and digital innovation, and social cohesion, including affordable housing.

The commitment to multilateralism is reaffirmed, with an emphasis on full respect for the UN Charter, international law, and all relevant international norms, including international maritime law. The Union underscores the importance of remaining a stable, reliable, and predictable partner. In this regard, support is reiterated for comprehensive and structured dialogue with Southern and Eastern neighbours and candidate countries within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as for sustained engagement aimed at addressing long-standing unresolved issues. In this regard, it could be commented that the GASC keeps the door open for enhanced dialogue with Türkiye during its Presidency. In line with these priorities, it is stated that the Presidency will act as a responsible and honest broker, fully respecting institutional procedures and working closely with the European Parliament and the Commission to turn challenges into opportunities.

The website of the GASC Presidency, which also offers a Turkish language option, can be accessed here.