Originally, Ankara was offered a deal that would have required it to sign a protocol expanding a customs union agreement to include Cyprus and the other nine new EU members -- a move that would, in effect, constitute recognition of Cyprus.
Iniţial, UE a oferit Ankarei un acord care ar fi impus semnarea unui protocol privind extinderea uniunii vamale la Cipru şi ceilalţi nouă membri noi ai UE -- măsură care ar fi constituit în fapt recunoaşterea Ciprului.