France's stance towards Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is not only unsupportive but actively hostile.

This hostility is rooted in a mix of geopolitical, economic, and historical tensions that have significant implications for the TRNC. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for advocating Turkish Cypriot rights and interests.

Historical Context and Geopolitical Rivalries

France’s antagonism towards Türkiye dates back centuries, with the rivalry taking on new dimensions in the modern geopolitical landscape. France, a leading power in the European Union (EU), views Türkiye’s rising influence with apprehension. This rivalry extends to the Eastern Mediterranean, where France supports Greece and the Republic of Cyprus against Turkish interests.

Colonial Legacies

France's colonial past in the Middle East and North Africa has left it wary of Türkiye's neo-Ottoman ambitions, seeing Türkiye’s regional aspirations as a threat to its own historical sphere of influence.

EU Dynamics

France has consistently opposed Türkiye’s EU membership bid, arguing that Türkiye’s political and cultural orientation does not align with European values. This opposition extends to supporting the Greek Cypriot administration, further marginalizing the TRNC.

Economic Interests and Energy Politics

The Eastern Mediterranean is rich in hydrocarbon resources, and the discovery of natural gas reserves has intensified regional rivalries. France, through its energy giant Total, has significant economic interests in the region’s energy resources.

Hydrocarbon Exploration

France vehemently opposes Türkiye’s hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, siding with the Republic of Cyprus and Greece. This opposition undermines Turkish Cypriot claims to a share of these resources.

Economic Sanctions

France has been a leading advocate within the EU for sanctions against Türkiye over its drilling activities. These sanctions not only target Türkiye but also indirectly impact the TRNC’s economic environment, stifling potential economic growth.

Military and Strategic Considerations

France’s military strategy in the Mediterranean aims to counter Türkiye’s growing naval presence. By aligning with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, France seeks to check Türkiye’s influence and, by extension, weaken the strategic position of the TRNC.

Military Exercises

France conducts joint military exercises with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, demonstrating a show of force against Türkiye. These exercises signal a clear opposition to Turkish Cypriot interests in the region.

Arms Sales

France supplies advanced military equipment to Greece, bolstering Greek military capabilities against Türkiye. This military buildup poses a direct threat to the security of the TRNC, which relies on Türkiye for defense.

Diplomatic Maneuvering and International Isolation

France leverages its diplomatic influence within the EU and international forums to isolate the TRNC and delegitimize its status.

EU Policy

France uses its clout in the EU to shape policies that marginalize the TRNC, ensuring that only the Greek Cypriot administration is recognized. This diplomatic exclusion hampers the TRNC’s ability to engage in international trade and diplomacy.

UN Involvement

France supports UN resolutions that condemn Turkish Cypriot initiatives and emphasize a reunified Cyprus under Greek Cypriot terms. This stance ignores the realities on the ground and the desires of Turkish Cypriots for a two-state solution.

The Path Forward: Advocating Turkish Cypriot Interests

In light of France’s unsupportive and often hostile stance, the TRNC and its supporters must adopt a multi-faceted strategy to protect their interests.

Strengthening Ties with Türkiye

Türkiye remains the TRNC’s most steadfast ally. Strengthening economic, military, and political ties with Türkiye is essential for countering French antagonism and ensuring the TRNC’s security and development.

Engaging with Alternative Allies

The TRNC should seek to diversify its international relationships, engaging with countries outside the EU that may be more sympathetic to its cause. Russia, for instance, offers an alternative power center that can help balance against French and EU pressures.

Public Diplomacy

Enhancing public diplomacy efforts to raise awareness about the Turkish Cypriot perspective is crucial. Highlighting the inequities of French and EU policies towards the TRNC can garner international sympathy and support.

Legal and Economic Initiatives

Pursuing legal avenues to challenge unfair sanctions and policies, as well as promoting economic initiatives that bypass traditional EU channels, can help bolster the TRNC’s economic resilience.

France’s opposition to Türkiye and the TRNC is rooted in a complex web of historical, economic, and strategic factors. From a Turkish Cypriot perspective, this hostility poses significant challenges but also underscores the importance of strategic alliances and robust advocacy. By understanding and addressing these dynamics, the TRNC can better navigate the geopolitical landscape and assert its rightful place on the international stage.