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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
  • The Cyprus Problem

Workshop on PEACE PROCESS in Cyprus

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Cyprus Academic Dialogue will host the “Workshop on Peace Process in Cyprus”; this conference aims to mobilize public consciousness about the necessity for goodwill of the two leaders to reach a...

  • Event
  • Good Governance

Book Launch: White Book of Best Practice for the Implementation of 1325 in Cyprus

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung invites you to the book launch of our White Book on best practices in the field of Gender; this event aims at promoting the recently published White Book and at introducing it to embassies as well as the...

  • Event
  • Good Governance

Discussion: Good Governance and the Impact of the Economic and Financial Crises in Cyprus

As part of a closed discussion event, leading experts will discuss the European Union's potential for societal reforms in the context of the economic and financial crises.

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Workshop: Media in Cyprus: Role and Responsibility, 3rd Cyprus Dialogue

Given the current intensity of the Cyprus Talks, the 3rd Cyprus Dialogue Workshop will focus and involve, both as participants and as subject matter, the media in Cyprus as an instrument for change and continuity.

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Discussion: Cyprus at a crossroads – Reunification now or everlasting division?

Is a reunification of Cyprus possible? A Cypriot expert group informs decision-makers and think-tanks about the current status of the peace process.

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Conference: When the cemetery becomes political – dealing with the religious heritage in multi-ethnic regions: Cyprus, Libanon, the Balkans

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Cypriot Studies at the University of Münster and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung cordially invite you to the conference "When the cemetery becomes political". The interdisciplinary structured conference...

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Conference: International Conference on Education for a Culture of Peace: Sharing Best Practices

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the POST Research Institute and the Association of Historical Dialogue invite you to the International Conference “Education for a Culture of Peace: Sharing Best Practices”. The goal of the conference is to...

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-

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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