Cyprus

Cyprus gained independence from British rule on August 16, 1960. The Republic of Cyprus was established as a sovereign nation. However, the constitutional framework was complex, entailing power-sharing between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. This independence was the culmination of nationalist movements on the island, seeking self-determination and freedom from colonial control, yet it also sowed seeds for future intercommunal tensions.

In response to a Greek-backed coup aiming to unify Cyprus with Greece, Turkey launched a military invasion of the island on July 20, 1974. This invasion resulted in the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus. The island was effectively divided into two parts, with the northern third under Turkish control. This event led to massive displacements of people and has been a central point of contention in Cyprus's political landscape.

On November 15, 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was unilaterally declared by the Turkish Cypriot leadership, with backing from Turkey. This declaration followed the division of the island post-1974 Turkish invasion. It was condemned by the international community, which recognized only the Republic of Cyprus as the legitimate government of the whole island. TRNC is recognized only by Turkey.

Cyprus became a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. This significant event marked the integration of Cyprus into a larger political and economic bloc, despite the ongoing division of the island. EU membership was considered a milestone for Cyprus as it provided opportunities for economic growth, as well as a platform for negotiating reunification. However, EU laws only apply fully to the southern part of the island.

Ledra Street, in the center of Nicosia (the world's last divided capital), was reopened on March 21, 2008, as a crossing point between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parts of the city. This marked a significant development in the easing of tensions between the two communities on the island. The crossing was seen as a step towards reconciliation and a hopeful sign for future unification talks.

On March 25, 2013, Cyprus agreed to a 10 billion euro bailout deal with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to save its banking system from collapse. The crisis was triggered by exposure to the Greek debt crisis and internal banking mismanagement, leading to financial turmoil on the island. Conditions of the bailout included austerity measures and restructuring of the banking sector, including the closure of the country's second largest bank.

The Crans-Montana talks, which took place in Switzerland between June and July 2017, represented one of the most serious efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue since the island's division. However, on July 7, 2017, these negotiations collapsed without an agreement. Disagreement over security arrangements, territorial adjustments, and political equality were key factors that led to the breakdown. This was a significant setback for hopes of reunification.

On November 25, 2019, tensions escalated concerning offshore gas drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean by Cyprus's government, which Turkish authorities claim violates their territorial waters and the rights of Turkish Cypriots. Turkey began its own gas explorations, leading to condemnation by the EU and raising geopolitical tensions. The situation highlighted the persistent and complex disputes over resources, sovereignty, and rights in the region.

On November 3, 2020, Ersin Tatar was elected as the President of Northern Cyprus. His election was significant due to his support for a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem, as opposed to reunification. Tatar's victory was backed by Ankara and marked a shift in the political landscape of Northern Cyprus. It was seen as reflecting a hardening stance in the ongoing dispute concerning the future of the island and its communities.

Despite the political division of the island, January 1, 2022, marked the official adoption of the euro as a practical currency in Northern Cyprus alongside the Turkish Lira. The move signified economic alignment with the Eurozone, despite the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's continued use of its own national currency. This development was crucial for trade and economic activities given the tourism and business interactions across the island.