fes.de

FES in Cyprus

Read more
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
  • Good Governance

Presentation: New Law on Associations and Foundations - Nicosia 2017

The NGO Initiative and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung invite you to a presentation of the New Law on Associations and Foundations.

  • Event
  • Regional Cooperation

Conference: Eastern Mediterranean Energy: Moving Forward

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, PRIO Cyprus Centre, the Atlantic Council and Istituto Affari Internazionali invite you to the conference “Eastern Mediterranean Energy: Moving Forward”; this conference aims to elaborate on developments and...

  • Event
  • Good Governance

Conference: Gender, Migration and Trafficking in Europe

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Symbiosis, and PRIO Cyprus Centre invite you to the conference “Gender, Migration and Trafficking in Europe”; this conference aims to explore these categories and their interlinking.

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Green line: Evocative of an archeology of desperation and desire

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the Austrian Embassy, and the CVAR invite you to the book presentation and opening of “green line _ evocative of an archeology of desperation and desire”, an exhibition of photography by Cornelia...

  • Event
  • Good Governance

Youth Camp: Peace Education and a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Winpeace-Cyprus and  Winpeace Greece and Turkey will hold a Youth Camp on “Peace Education and a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence”; the event aims at planting the seeds for a culture of peace and...

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

4th International Summer School in Peace & Conflict Studies: Co-opted Peace and the Pursuit of Justice: Hidden Conflicts, Concealed Violence and New Rights

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the University of Cyprus, the European Consortium for Political Research, and the International Association for Peace and Conflict Studies will host the 4th International Summer School in Peace & Conflict...

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Workshop: Cyprus-Problem in Perspective

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Cypriots’ Voice will hold a symposium on the topic “Cyprus-Problem in Perspective”; the workshop is designed as “members’ brain storming” on the progress made on the Cyprus issue.

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Conference: Building Federalism: International Lessons and Perspectives

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Forum of Federations (Ottawa), Diadraseis Radio Program, Centre for Federal Studies (University of Kent), and Simfiliosis invite you to this event, which aims at exploring the meaning of a federation in case...

  • Event
  • The Cyprus Problem

Conference: Non-Recognition and Conflict Dynamics in the Cyprus and International Context

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Carnegie Europe, and the Government Offices of Sweden invite you to the conference “Non-Recognition and Conflict Dynamics in the Cyprus and International Context”; this conference aims to explore which...

  • Event
  • Good Governance

Federal Yugoslavia and its Successor States: Lessons for Cyprus on Federalism and Power Sharing

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and our partner East-West-Bridge cordially invite you to our conference “Federal Yugoslavia and its Successor States: Lessons for Cyprus on Federalism and Power Sharing”. This conference aims at elaborating...

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