Special Territories in European Union and North Cyprus: A Sui Generis Relationship Under Community Law

Abstract

ABSTRACT: On May 1st, 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the European Union (EU) on behalf of the whole island. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not recognized as a member state, is within the European Union borders but it is outside the territory of the internal market. The EU has special legal arrangements for North Cyprus which makes it a special territory within the EU. However, there are other territories within the EU with special regimes. This paper examines the relationship between North Cyprus and the EU in comparison with the legal regimes established for other territories. The paper aims to determine the differences between North Cyprus and other territories in terms of status within the EU, legal arrangements and access to the internal market.