A proposal aimed at de-escalating tensions with Turkey, tailored to the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in an interview with Politico.

The formula calls for steps by Ankara that would open the path for the Republic of Cyprus to join NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program and, in parallel, a gradual lifting by Nicosia of obstacles to closer EU–Turkey cooperation. All this would be combined with a genuine restart of Cyprus talks within the agreed framework.

“We can imagine a step-by-step approach, with steps from Turkey for Cyprus’ accession to PfP and, in parallel, positive steps in EU–Turkey relations, always together with the resumption of talks for a solution to the Cyprus issue,” the Cypriot President said.

He noted that he has already discussed his proposal with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

What is PfP and what does it mean for Cyprus?

A key element of the proposal is the NATO PfP program.

The Partnership for Peace is a NATO program designed to bring non-member states closer to the Alliance. It is not NATO membership but a framework of close cooperation.

In simple terms, a country joining PfP participates in joint military exercises and training with NATO members, upgrades its weapons systems and armed forces structures to be “compatible” with Alliance standards, and joins various planning, civil protection, and crisis-management programs.

For many Central and Eastern European countries, PfP served as an intermediate step before full NATO membership. For others, like Austria and Switzerland, it allows close cooperation without abandoning traditional neutrality.

In Cyprus’ case, joining the PfP would mean the National Guard would be fully integrated into NATO planning and procedures, without Cyprus becoming a full NATO member from day one. Politically, however, it would send a very clear signal about the country’s strategic orientation.

“Natural evolution” for Cyprus to join NATO

Nikos Christodoulides described NATO membership for Cyprus as a “natural evolution,” noting that it has not happened so far due to “political circumstances.”

Behind that statement lie both the objections of Turkish governments and the internal debate in Cyprus, where parties and groups have traditionally opposed any relationship with NATO. With the PfP proposal, Nicosia is attempting a more realistic intermediate step, clearly linking it with Turkey’s European path and progress on the Cyprus issue.

SAFE and Turkey: “It’s not an à-la-carte menu”

Regarding the EU defence program SAFE, the Cypriot President reiterated that Turkey has essentially excluded itself since it does not meet the basic conditions for participation.

He stressed that, just like in the EU accession process, SAFE has specific criteria. One cannot choose only the benefits while ignoring the obligations. Thus, Turkey’s exclusion is presented not as a “punishment” from Cyprus but as a consequence of Ankara’s stance, with the occupation of the island and its insistence on a two-state solution.

Erdogan invited to informal European Council in Cyprus

Within this context, Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed that the Cypriot EU Presidency will invite Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the informal European Council to be held in Cyprus on April 23–24.

He emphasized that Nicosia understands its institutional role but believes such an invitation could create political space for a more substantial discussion on both EU–Turkey relations and the Cyprus issue.

If it happens — though unlikely — it would be the first time Turkey is invited to an EU summit on the territory of a member state that is partially under Turkish occupation.

Trump, Ukraine, and the message to Europe

A significant part of the interview focused on the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine promoted by Donald Trump. Christodoulides admitted that the proposal “is not perfect,” but highlighted that having a concrete framework is important.

He went a step further, interpreting Trump’s return to the White House as a message to Europe that it cannot take the American security umbrella for granted.

“Trump’s election sends a message to the EU that America cannot be taken for granted. Therefore, as the EU, we must do more and cooperate more with each other to deal with challenges. This also makes you more useful to the Americans,” he said.

For Cyprus, which lives with an unresolved invasion and occupation, developments in Ukraine are not theoretical. If territorial gains from an invasion are legitimized — even indirectly — this will affect how the international community views the Cyprus issue.

National Guard moving toward NATO standards

Christodoulides also referred to the military dimension of cooperation with the United States. He said there is close coordination to ensure the National Guard fully adapts to NATO standards.

The goal is for its weapons systems, structure, and operational functioning to meet Alliance criteria. Thus, when the political conditions allow, Cyprus will be able to join PfP or even move toward full NATO membership without lengthy technical adjustments.

Cyprus issue: Meeting with Erhürman and the importance of political will

Regarding prospects for restarting Cyprus negotiations, Christodoulides mentioned his meeting today with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín.

He stressed that the first step is confirming the convergences achieved up to 2017, and the second is beginning substantive negotiations within the agreed framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

“If there is genuine political will, I believe a solution to the Cyprus issue is possible,” he said, sending a message mainly to the Turkish side but also to those in Brussels who consider the Cyprus issue a “frozen” problem without prospects.

Schengen by 2026, without a “hard border”

Christodoulides also discussed Nicosia’s goal to complete the technical evaluations for Cyprus’ entry into the Schengen Area within 2025, so that the country can receive a recommendation for accession in 2026.

“The goal is to be technically ready by the end of the year, and then the Commission will issue a recommendation to the member states in 2026,” he said.

Responding to concerns about the creation of a “hard border” along the ceasefire line, he assured that the free movement of Turkish Cypriots will not be affected. Nicosia aims to align fully with Europe while keeping open the channel of contact between the two communities.