Only two out of ten Greek Cypriots favour Turkey’s EU accession

Although Greek Cypriots favour a further EU enlargement, only 19% sees Turkey‘s accession to the EU as positive, according to the EU Eurobarometre’s national report for Cyprus.

In the Eurobarometre, covering the areas controlled by the government of Cyprus as well the Turkish Cypriot community, between September 6th and October 1st, Greek Cypriots rank fourth regarding their negative stance for Turkey‘s EU accession.

First who see Turkey‘s accession as negative are the Austrians 87%, followed by Germany 78%, Luxembourg 77% and Cyprus 74%.

On the other hand, Turkish Cypriots are the ones who most favour Turkey‘s accession with 78%, followed by the Turkish citizens with 68%.

Furthermore, 66% of Greek Cypriots and 54% of Turkish Cypriots favour a future EU enlargement, with 46% being the EU average.

First country of preference for the enlargement for the Greek Cypriots is Switzerland with 88%, followed by Norway (84%) and Iceland (78%).

Last countries of preference are Bosnia Herzegovina with 56%, Albania with 33%, with Turkey being the last country with 19% (EU average for Turkey is 28%).

Regarding the UN, only 26% of Greek Cypriots trust this international organisation, a percentage that is the lowest in the EU.

Turkish Cypriots’ trust to the UN shows a decrease from 48% to 41%.

Greek Cypriots continue to trust the EU and its institutions with 57% (48% being the EU average) and Turkish Cypriots with 45%, a percentage that shows a decrease.

Only 38% of Greek Cypriots believe that their voice is heard in the EU while 55% of Turkish Cypriots believe that their voice is not heard.

Greek Cypriots rank third among Europeans regarding their understanding of the EU function. The results showed that 58% of Greek Cypriots and 38% of Turkish Cypriots answered that they understand how the EU works.

Asked which should be the priorities of the EU, Greek Cypriots answered combating poverty, maintaining peace and security, and combating unemployment. Turkish Cypriots see combating unemployment, poverty and organised crime as the main priorities for the EU.

Although happy with their lives, Turkish Cypriots believe that things are going in the wrong direction for them.

Greek Cypriots favour the EU’s political union with 68% and the EU’s common foreign policy with 78%.

First among all European regarding the development of the EU common defence policy are the Greek Cypriots with 89%.

Regarding the European Convention, 73% of Greek Cypriots and 43% of Turkish Cypriots believe that its implementation is important for the EU’s good function. The Greek Cypriots’ percentage is the third highest in the EU.