President Joe Biden’s decision in the last days of his administration to make Cyprus eligible to receive defense articles and defense services marks a significant step to augment bilateral security cooperation. Biden’s move, building upon developments in President Donald Trump’s first term, enhances Cyprus’ defense, strengthens regional security, and aligns with U.S. strategic and energy interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, shifting U.S. policy priorities in Trump’s second administration could challenge the partnership.
By leveraging its location and diplomatic reach, Cyprus strengthens Western engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Bilateral ties deepened nearly a decade ago when Assistant Secretary of State A. Wess Mitchell laid the foundation for a long-term U.S. strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean that emphasized a U.S. presence, elevated Cyprus and Greece’s regional roles, and advanced the “3+1” partnership with Greece, Cyprus and Israel working together and with the United States. The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 further institutionalized U.S. engagement, securing congressional support for Cyprus’ expanded strategic role.
The CYCLOPS Training Center in Larnaca, funded by Washington, is another milestone in U.S.-Cyprus defense cooperation, providing training in cybersecurity, border management, and counterterrorism.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ administration has further reaffirmed Cyprus’ Western alignment. Anti-corruption efforts have strengthened trust, while the launch of the U.S.-Cyprus strategic dialogue and Cyprus’ participation in U.S-led military training programs highlight the partnership. Meanwhile, Cyprus is upgrading the Andreas Papandreou Air Base near Paphos to enable it to serve as a humanitarian staging post. The United States also considers Cyprus’ entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and potential NATO accession despite Turkey’s opposition.
As U.S.-Cyprus relations expand, Cyprus reinforces its role as an enabler of Middle East stability and a bridge between the European Union and the Arab world. It has supported evacuations of foreign nationals from Lebanon and elsewhere, and maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, Egypt, and key Arab states, and has been a humanitarian transit hub during crises in Sudan and Gaza. By leveraging its location and diplomatic reach, Cyprus strengthens Western engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A shift in U.S.-Turkey relations could impact Cyprus’ ability to deter Turkish provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In the energy sector, ExxonMobil and Chevron operate in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Recently, an ExxonMobil-QatarEnergy consortium began drilling in Block 5 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Such energy cooperation stabilizes European energy supplies and reduces reliance on Russia. As a stable Western partner, Cyprus can help counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Trump’s presidency, however, introduces new challenges for U.S.-Cyprus relations, especially as his rhetoric signals potential disengagement from NATO and creates strains with the European Union. Nicosia must prioritize direct engagement with Washington to safeguard its interests.
Trump’s return to realpolitik could also enable a possible U.S.-Turkey rapprochement, allowing Ankara to regain strategic leverage. A shift in U.S.-Turkey relations could impact Cyprus’ ability to deter Turkish provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The departure of senators who long championed Cyprus’ cause could hinder Cyprus’ ability to promote its interests in Congress.
Additionally, enhancing defense cooperation with Israel and Egypt, diversifying economic partnerships, and maintaining congressional advocacy will be essential to ensure long-term cooperation with Washington. By adapting to shifting U.S. priorities and demonstrating its ability to punch above its weight, Cyprus can show that it is a partner for the 21st century.
