ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concentrates on Cyprus's efforts to transpose the European Union (EU) acquis into the Cypriot legal system and the problems experienced by an often neglected group of experts: the drafters who carried out the process of transposition. The formal relationship between Cyprus and the EU dates back to 1972 and the Council Regulation-Cyprus Association Agreement is temporarily abandoned following the 1974 invasion of the island by Turkey. The negotiation procedure of the EU with Cyprus was, of course, similar to that of the other applicant countries. It consisted of two phases which are Acquis screening and Substantive negotiations. The book focuses on different aspects of Cyprus's efforts to transpose the acquis. Helen Xanthaki examines the stages of pre-accession negotiations using Cyprus as case a study.
