ABSTRACT
In many ways, Cyprus can be regarded as the most significant recent example of the European Union's (EU) potential to resolve conflict in its neighbourhood. The process that led to the referendum on the island's reunification in 2004 was directly attributable to the EU decision to accept Cyprus as a member. However, as will be seen, this power had little to do with the EU's active intervention or involvement as an overt and specific actor in the process. Unlike its role in other areas, such as the Balkans or Africa, it did not send peacekeepers to Cyprus. Nor did it conduct a formal mediation process or provide a means of communication between parties. Its role in the actual discussions was in fact very limited, mainly confined to providing technical advice to the parties and to the United Nations (UN).
