The Dilemma of the Turkish Cypriot Entrepreneur: The View from the 'Green Line'

Turkish Cypriots have a unique yet strange relationship with the European Union. The ground they stand on is 'in' Europe, as the island of Cyprus acceded to the EU on 1st May 2004. By taking out a passport from the Republic of Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots can become EU citizens, but while continuing to live on the 'other side' of the Green Line, they are not be able to vote in any EU elections, nor have any say in the EU. Politically, they stand outside of Europe, looking over the Green Line that separates them from their Greek Cypriot neighbours. No country in Europe recognizes their state, the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, but while living, breathing, eating, shopping and educating their children, they believe that they are European. This paper seeks to further our understanding of the current difficulties for entrepreneurs in North Cyprus, while they continue to be isolated from the world by economic and political embargoes. A recent survey of 1000 entrepreneurs in the region discovered that they are still keen to be a part of the EU, and are economically productive, despite their many economic problems and issues.