Tag: Articles

In his latest piece for Politics.co.uk, former MP and ex-Special Adviser to the Department for Exiting the European Union, Nick de Bois, sets out a clear warning over growing European Union involvement in Cyprus-related discussions. He argues that recent signals from the European Council indicate a shift from neutral observation to active participation in matters concerning the United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Areas – a move he describes as a direct intrusion into British sovereignty.

De Bois stresses that the bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia are not subject to negotiation, having been established as sovereign British territory under the 1960 independence arrangements. He cautions that even informal or exploratory discussions risk evolving into sustained political pressure, noting that similar patterns have been observed in other cases where long-standing arrangements were gradually challenged and weakened.

Crucially, he highlights the issue of EU impartiality in the Cyprus context. Referencing the 2004 Annan Plan, he points out that Turkish Cypriots supported reunification while the Greek Cypriot side rejected it, yet EU accession proceeded in a way that entrenched division and left Turkish Cypriots isolated. The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC) campaign reiterates that any discussions concerning sovereignty, security, or the future of the island must include Turkish Cypriots, warning that continued exclusion will only deepen division and undermine prospects for a lasting settlement.

The Express reports on growing political pressure surrounding the United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, with warnings that the European Union is attempting to insert itself into discussions over British sovereignty. The article highlights concerns raised by former MP and ex-Special Adviser to the Department for Exiting the European Union, Nick de Bois, who cautions against any process that could reopen what has long been considered a settled issue.

De Bois argues that there is a “coordinated effort” involving the EU to challenge the status of the bases, stressing that they are sovereign British territory established by treaty in 1960 and are not open to negotiation. He warns that even informal discussions risk evolving into sustained political pressure, drawing parallels with other cases where longstanding arrangements have been gradually undermined.

Crucially, the article again brings attention to the broader Cyprus context, with de Bois highlighting the European Union’s record on impartiality. He points to the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, where Turkish Cypriots supported reunification but were left isolated after the Greek Cypriot rejection was followed by EU accession. The Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus (FFNC) campaign reiterates that any discussions concerning sovereignty, security, or the future of the island must include Turkish Cypriots, warning that exclusion will only deepen division.