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FES in Cyprus

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This photo shows a sweeping view of the city of Nicosia in Cyprus.
Creator: FES Cyprus

Our mission in Cyprus

The FES is a German non-profit-making, private, independent and cultural organisation. It has been active in Cyprus since 1986. The Nicosia office is part of a global network comprising 107 local branches. Between 1986 and 2011, the Cyprus branch was administered by the Athens office, however, since 2011 the FES Cyprus has had its own small office in Nicosia.

The FES office in Cyprus is part of the FES MENA Competence Center for Peace and Security in Beirut and the FES office in Athens. Our work is divided into two main areas:

1. Work within the framework of the FES Athens Office

As part of the FES Athens Office, we focus on the 4+2 advisory fields, which are listed under "Topics" and address the specific challenges and political issues of Cyprus. The focus is on the conflict triangle between the various actors from Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, as well as on specific Cypriot issues.

2. Work for the FES MENA Competence Center in Beirut

Our work for the MENA Competence Center takes a regional perspective and is not focused on individual countries. The main focus is on peace, security and migration in the MENA region. As a branch of the MENA Competence Center, we contribute to the development of an inclusive regional security architecture that fosters dialogue among different actors and strengthens sustainable stability in the region. Special emphasis is placed on supporting democratic security reforms and promoting the rule of law and human rights in the region.

Within this network, the FES office in Cyprus serves as a host for regional dialogue formats and discussions, which are organized in close coordination with other FES regional projects and country offices.

Our Political Work

This image shows a detailed satellite view of the Mediterranean region, including Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
Creator: © shutterstock.com I 360b

Foreign and Security Policy

Cyprus is located in a geopolitically dynamic region of longstanding conflict where it seeks to position itself as a mediator and stabilizing force to safeguard its interests.

Greek citizens living abroad vote for the Greek legislative election at a polling station in Brussels, Belgium on May 20, 2023
Creator: © shutterstock.com I Alexandros Michailidis

Democracy

Modern democracy is under pressure. As in other European countries, important elements of a democratically organised state have been weakened in Cyprus.

Olive trees with the sea in the background.
Creator: © shutterstock.com I Lana_P

Climate and Social Justice

Cyprus struggles in areas such as sustainable agriculture, clean water and sanitation, waste management and renewable energy.

This image shows a detailed 3D rendering of a humanoid robot.
Creator: © Barbara Novotna

The Future of Work

The future of work in Cyprus faces major challenges driven by two global trends: climate change and increasing digitalization.


Events

  • Event

Corruption Perceptions in north Cyprus: 2025 Factsheet in English

Following the publication of our corruption perceptions report 2025 in Turkish, a fact sheet in English is now available.

  • Event

Six Facts. One Future. Part II: East Med Energy Security: Challenges and Cooperation Prospects.

In the second webinar of the series we focus on energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean with Dr. Charles Ellinas.

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Book Launch: Corruption Perception Report 2025

We recently presented the key findings of the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Report in northern Nicosia. The full report in Turkish and the English fact sheet coming soon.

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"Grab a UNIC Coffee" Online Briefing | Bumps and Barriers - The long and winding road to peace in Sudan

"Bumps and Barriers: The Long and Winding Road to Peace in Sudan" with Achim Vogt, head of FES Office in Uganda and of the FES Project in Sudan.

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Six Facts. One Future: The Eastern Mediterranean

In this first webinar of the series, we discussed the role of water scarcity in shaping conflict, stability, and migration dynamics across the Eastern Mediterranean with Dr. Fadi Comair.

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"Grab a Cypriot Coffee" - An Online Briefing on the Priorities of the Cypriot European Council Presidency

"The Priorities of the Cypriot European Council Presidency: Big Ambitions of a Small State" with Prof. Dr. Harry Tzimitras, Director PRIO Cyprus Centre

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  • Regional Cooperation

Peace and Stability through Regional Cooperation across the Mediterranean

Graphic recording by BlancheIllustrates, created on the occasion of our joint panel during the Cyprus Forum.

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  • Veranstaltung

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's Human Rights Award 2025

FES Human Rights Awards 2025 - The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's Human Rights Award 2025 is awarded to International Detention Coalition (IDC) in recognition of its relentless work to promote the human rights of all individuals affected by...

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  • Veranstaltung

International Conference “The International Order in Question: Regional Security and Prosperity in Times of Global Flux and Disarray” (3-4 October 2025)

Join us for an International Conference on “The International Order in Question: Regional Security and Prosperity in Times of Global Flux and Disarray” on 3-4 October 2025 at the University of Nicosia.

  • Event
  • Veranstaltung

Panel discussion: 'Unlocking the Potential of Regional Organisations in the Mediterranean for Peace and Stability' (3 October, 4:50 PM - 5:40 PM)

Join us for the panel discussion titled 'Unlocking the Potential of Regional Organisations in the Mediterranean for Peace and Stability' on 3 October, from 4:50 PM to 5:40 PM, at the Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia.

Video: What is Social Democracy?

Publications

The Cypriot parliamentary elections of 2026 and their aftermath

Triga, Vasiliki | Nicosia : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, July 2026

The Middle East paradoxon

Wieland, Carsten | Nicosia : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, November 2025

can a new regional order emerge after disruption?

Trade Union Monitor / Cyprus (2025). October 2025

Berlin : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2020, August-

Icon Envelope used for a Newsletter teaser
Creator: FES

Newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get an overview of the political, economic and social developments on both sides of the divided Cyprus during the previous month.


Contact

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung