ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the position of small states in the European Union (EU) and explores some potential avenues available to Cyprus as an EU member state. It analyses some of the implications of EU membership for Cyprus from a small state perspective. First, the special characteristics of Cyprus as a small island state on the periphery of the European Union and how the challenges posed by these characteristics can be addressed by EU membership. Second, the possible effect of EU membership on Cyprus's 'international position' and on the Cyprus Problem. Cyprus is a small state, on Europe's periphery facing the turbulent region of the Middle East, an island with all the setbacks of insularity, but a strategic location. As a small country Cyprus still lacks enough means, diplomatic resources and critical mass to take a leading role in major problems and challenges which the EU faces in the Mediterranean region.
