Cyprus: 23 Years of Checkpoints – Division and Economic Transactions

Twenty-three years after the opening of checkpoints in Cyprus, the initial optimism has given way to habit and, according to the article, the consolidation of division. The article refers to the opening of the checkpoints on April 23, 2003, when 260,000 Greek Cypriots and 100,000 Turkish Cypriots crossed to the other side.

Today, new checkpoints are being discussed, while the hope for reunification is fading. The article argues that the checkpoints do not unite Cyprus but create a deeper division.

It also refers to the economic dimension that the situation has taken, with trade through the Green Line reaching €167,293,000 by the end of 2025. In 2025, goods worth 13,900,313 euros were sold from the occupied territories to the free areas.

On the same day that the Greek Cypriot side welcomes European leaders, the Turkish Cypriot side welcomes the Turkish submarine TCG Gür (S-357) and the missile boat TCG İmbat (P-335).