ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Cyprus's attempts to be an effective member and assess whether the first few years of membership will be traumatic or problem-free. European Union (EU) membership brings a re-evaluation of national interest as a standard, realist, sovereignty-linked concept. Cyprus continues to be a divided island and in practical terms the government of the Republic of Cyprus has no control of the northern part, which is why the EU has formally suspended implementation and enforcement of the acquis in the North. In Cyprus the additional burden of the 'political problem' counsels for caution rather than optimism. Being a small fish in a larger EU pond Cyprus will have to adapt to a whole new way of viewing the world and itself. The new member states will be net recipients of EU funds, at least for the first three years of EU membership.
