CYPRUS AND BEYOND: SHIFTING INTERESTS OF THE EU.

This article provides a theoretical background to the interest definition of the EU in dealing with the Cyprus issue that has implications for regional and global security. The shifting interest definitions of the EU are analysed through neorealist and social constructivist schools of International Relations. It is argued that the European approach to Cyprus is based on strategic priorities, taking into account the geopolitical position of the island in the Eastern Mediterranean context. Since this region faces a turbulent period, EU's relations with its neighbourhood are to be reformed under new conditions. In this regard, the Cyprus issue constitutes a case for understanding the interest identification upon which EU foreign policy is based on. This paper states that while the Eastern Mediterranean region imposes strategic visions over integrative ones, EU foreign policy's efficiency and cohesion is strongly linked to its soft power capacities defined in terms of constructive and cooperative attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]