It enjoys no international recognition - the peace process is at a standstill. The opening of negotiations could act as a stimulus to a settlement of the problem. This is the view of the European Union institutions, which encourage a peaceful solution, as well as participation by the northern part of the island in the accession process, which should benefit the whole island. The official accession process has been underway since 31 March 1998. It has been possible to arrive at joint negotiating positions in a number of sectors.
Progress has still to be made with strengthening administrative capacities in a number of sectors.
The Commission points out that because of the refusal of the Turkish Cypriot community to send representatives to the negotiations the analysis of the acquis could not cover the whole island. With a view to the Helsinki European Council, the Commission submitted a new report on Cyprus' progress towards accession on 13 October 1999. The next regular report of the Commission is expected on 8 November 2000.