NATO’s official website lists 32 member countries as of 2026, and Cyprus is not among them. Cyprus is, however, a member of the European Union, but it has never participated in NATO’s Partnership for Peace or any other formal NATO program.
One of the main reasons Cyprus is not a NATO member is Turkey’s longstanding veto power. Turkey, a founding NATO member, has prevented Cyprus’s accession due to the ongoing division of the island and military occupation of northern Cyprus. This geopolitical dispute is well documented in sources such as AP News and the official NATO site.
Recent statements from Cypriot leaders indicate the country is exploring future NATO membership but has not submitted a formal application. As of early 2026, Cyprus remains outside both NATO and its partnership frameworks.