The Republic of Cyprus: Paving the Way to Enter the European Union

Challenge: To draw media attention to and political support for The Republic of Cyprus to enter the European Union.

Strategy: Create media coverage aimed at influencing the reunification of Cyprus before they enter the EU in December 2002.

Tactics:
• Prepared materials: op-eds, letters to the editor, background materials, etc.
• Held media roundtable for three cabinet members averaging 20 reporters per meeting.
• Arranged trade press roundtables for ministers on specific topics.
• Created media opportunities for the Ambassador as she traveled to different cities.
• Arranged deskside briefings with top-tier journalists: Washington Post, Wall Street Journal.
• Held satellite radio media tour with 10 stations nationwide and produced an audio news release.

Results: The campaign yielded more than 20 million media impressions in one year. The Republic of Cyprus entered the EU as a divided country; the portion of the country under Turkish rule will not receive the benefits of being a EU member.