Media: Cyprus pushes for Chagos-like agreement on British bases

Cyprus is seeking talks with the United Kingdom over the future of British sovereign military bases on the island, proposing a review of their status modelled on the recent Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius, according to a Cypriot lawmaker, Euractiv reports.

“We are calling for a reassessment of the relationship and a renegotiation of the status on the terms of 2026,” said Chrisis Pantelides, a lawmaker from the Greek-Cypriot Democratic Party (DIKO).

The initiative, backed by the European Union, focuses on the British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which have remained under UK control since Cyprus gained independence in 1960 and are used for intelligence and military operations in the Middle East.

Cyprus is not calling for an immediate British withdrawal but wants a renegotiation of sovereignty, jurisdiction and use.

EU leaders have signalled support for discussions, saying, “The European Council acknowledges the intention of Cyprus to initiate a discussion with the UK on the UK bases in Cyprus and stands ready to provide assistance as needed.”

The proposal is influenced by the UK agreement to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining the Diego Garcia base, a deal that has drawn international attention and political sensitivity in London.

Cyprus argues that changing geopolitical conditions and its growing role within the EU justify revisiting what it describes as a “colonial” arrangement, though the strategic importance of the bases to the UK and its allies makes negotiations uncertain.

Pantelides noted that with technological developments, the British bases may no longer need so much space for infrastructure such as satellite dishes and antennas. The British sovereign bases represent roughly 2.7–3 % of the island’s surface, and approximately 10,000 people – both Cypriot and British – reside there.

By Aghakazim Guliyev