Energy Policy of the UK in Cyprus

Abstract

The UK has 2 military bases on the island of Cyprus: Dikelia and Akrotiri. The UK has politi-cal and military interests on the island. And UK's economic interest in the island is gradually in-creasing. All economic projects on the island carried out by the Greek government of Cyprus with the countries of the region contradict the economic interests of the Great Britain. By insisting that the exclusive economic zone belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, the United Kingdom seeks to maintain its rights arising from the status of a guarantor state. It is expected to declare territorial waters in the area where the bases are located and raise the issue of the continental shelf, and then declare the Exclusive Economic Zone. If the UK takes this step, it will significantly change the en-ergy balance of the region. Thus, the United Kingdom should conclude agreements with the coun-tries of the region on the definition of maritime borders, as well as start licensing activities with companies conducting exploration and drilling in the region. At the same time, British companies began to have a say in the region's natural gas fields. Britain's presence on the island is gradually shifting from the military to the economy.