13/10/25
Agenda for the conference RESHAPING EUROPE IN AN AGE OF UNCERTAINTY
25/09/25
Presentation of the new book by Professor Andreas Theophanous on September 30, 2025 at the University of Nicosia
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN CYPRUS
A critical assessment since independence and the way forward
The new book of Professor Andreas Theophanous entitled “WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN CYPRUS – A critical assessment since independence and the way forward» (Hippasus Publications, September 2025, p. 353) has just been published. It consists of a Preface, an Introduction, 8 Chapters, a Bibliography, 2 Indices of Names and Terms, and also has 15 Appendices.
The author comprehensively assesses developments regarding the Cyprus problem from 1960 to the present day and makes suggestions for the future. Professor Andreas Theophanous examines how the dynamics of the Cyprus problem have evolved and evaluates the efforts of all the Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus in relation to it. Theophanous also provides a survival strategy and makes concrete policy recommendations. The author points out that there are not many countries where the divergence between the best and worst possible outcomes is so great. Thus, the Cyprus problem is an existential issue. He also considers it essential to have historical self-awareness and a good understanding of the current situation.
After the disaster of 1974, part of those who considered the unitary state as a national compromise were in favor of a bizonal bicommunal federation even when it came in the form presented in the Annan Plan. The others realized the significance of the unified state only retrospectively, when it was no longer feasible.
Andreas Theophanous underlines that the long-term ideological framing of the Cyprus problem has been harmful. There was bigotry, intolerance, emotional reactions, populism and a lack of pragmatism, which inevitably led to disastrous results. Even today there are still similar attitudes albeit to a lesser extent. With the same rationale, the author underlines that the insufficient utilization of scientific expertise by various decision-making centres in Cyprus and Greece has led to problematic outcomes. Unfortunately, this is still the case today.
After 1974, there has been no solution to the Cyprus problem because of Turkish maximalism and not because of the long-term struggle which in reality has never been carried out. The Republic of Cyprus and Cypriot Hellenism are facing existential threats. Hence, there is an imperative necessity for a survival strategy that should be based on a concrete narrative. There have been several proposals and plans since 1974, however, the majority of Greek Cypriots believed that their implementation would worsen the status quo. In addition, Turkey would only accept a plan that aligns with its major objective – the strategic control of Cyprus.
The author further analyzes the current situation in Cyprus in light of wider geopolitical developments. Within this framework, he assesses the similarities and differences between the cases of Cyprus and Ukraine, as well as the differences in the approaches of the EU, the UN and other powers. The author evaluates the importance of International Law and Realpolitik in International Relations and critically examines the responsibilities of the guarantor countries as well as the role of other actors.
Taking into account all the aspects of the current situation, Andreas Theophanous briefly describes the implementation of several scenarios for the solution of the Cyprus conflict. He concludes that in today’s circumstances it will be difficult to find a viable solution which improves the status quo. However, if the goal is to restore the unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, it is necessary that a comprehensive strategy includes this crucial dimension as well. This is another reason that makes an evolutionary process the only strategic option.
Cyprus should become a model state for the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region. Such a development will strengthen a network of interests which will have as its centre the Republic of Cyprus. Andreas Theophanous emphasizes the need to adopt a new approach to the Cyprus problem based on pragmatism, as well as the correct evaluation of geopolitical dynamics and scientific analysis of the events.
This book fills a large gap in the English literature. Beyond the historical and political evaluation, Andreas Theophanous presents specific suggestions for the future. They include, among others, major proposals for the revision of the 1960 constitution in order to create a modern and well-functioning federal state, as well as significant confidence-building measures and other forms of cooperation aimed at overcoming mutual distrust between the two communities. The author’s proposal also highlight the role of the guarantor countries, the EU and of other powers. These should be undertaken through an evolutionary process. No less important is the methodology he adopts, as it allows for the further enrichment of propositions for the future.
The book is also available at the office of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs. Each copy costs €25. As already announced, the presentation will take place on Tuesday, September 30 at 18:30 at the University of Nicosia. The book will be presented by the Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs of the House of Representatives Mr. Harris Georgiades and the Ambassador (ad hon.), Former Negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side Mr. Andreas Mavroyiannis. Also, the Head of Hippasus Publishing, Ms. Hera Ioannou-Emilianidou, will deliver a welcoming address, and introductory comments will be made by the Associate Professor Dr. Yiannos Katsourides, who will coordinate the event. Following the book presentation, the author, Professor Andreas Theophanous, will make his remarks.
22/09/25
PRESS RELEASE
Presentation of the new book of Professor Andreas Theophanous
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN CYPRUS
A critical assessment since independence and the way forward
Hippasus Publications, September 2025
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
18:30 – 20:30
UNESCO Amphitheatre, Europa Building
University of Nicosia
The new book of Andreas Theophanous, WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN CYPRUS – A critical assessment since independence and the way forward (Hippasus Publications, 353 pages) has just been published. The book includes a Preface, Introduction, eight Chapters, Bibliography, fifteen Appendices, and two Indexes of Names and Terms respectively. It addresses a significant gap in the English bibliography on the Cyprus problem.
The presentation of the book will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 18:30, at the UNESCO Amphitheatre, Europa Building, University of Nicosia. The event will begin with a welcoming address by Mrs. Hera Ioannou-Emilianides, on behalf of Hippasus Publications. The book will then be presented by Harris Georgiades, President of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, and Andreas Mavroyiannis, Ambassador (ret.) and Former Negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side. This will be followed by remarks from the author, Professor Andreas Theophanous. Dr. Yiannos Katsourides will coordinate the event.
For more information and to register your participation, please contact 22841600 or [email protected].
13 – 14/06/25
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Το Κυπριακό Κέντρο Ευρωπαϊκών και Διεθνών Υποθέσεων σας προσκαλεί σε συζήτηση με θέμα
Η ΑΝΑΘΕΩΡΗΤΙΚΗ ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΟ
με ομιλητή τον Καθηγητή Ανδρέα Θεοφάνους
την Πέμπτη, 27 Φεβρουαρίου, 2025
19:00 – 20:00
The Gallery Block, Πανεπιστήμιο Λευκωσίας
Θα ακολουθήσει δείπνο
Τιμή €40 – περιορισμένος αριθμός θέσεων
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες ή/και δηλώσεις συμμετοχής (μέχρι 25 Φεβρουαρίου 2025) στο [email protected] ή στο 22841600
Ενώ αναμένεται νέα πενταμερής τον Μάρτιο 2025 και ταυτόχρονα καταβάλλονται προσπάθειες για νέα Μέτρα Οικοδόμησης Εμπιστοσύνης εύλογα εγείρεται το ερώτημα για τις προσεχείς εξελίξεις. Εν ολίγοις, μπορούμε να προσβλέπουμε σε ευοίωνες εξελίξεις; Με την υφιστάμενη πολιτική δεν διαφαίνεται ότι είναι δυνατό να οδηγηθούμε σε μια διευθέτηση που να βελτιώνει το status quo. Λαμβάνοντας υπ΄ όψιν όλα τα δεδομένα, περιλαμβανομένης και της αναθεωρητικής στάσης της Τουρκίας, το ζητούμενο είναι η χάραξη μιας ολοκληρωμένης πολιτικής. Βασικοί πυλώνες αυτής της πολιτικής πρέπει να είναι η εξελικτική διαδικασία, η αξιοποίηση των Ευρωπαϊκών θεσμών, η κατάθεση αφηγήματος και η αναβάθμιση των συντελεστών ισχύος.