Introduction
Small states in Europe, such as San Marino and Cyprus, navigate international affairs primarily through diplomacy, multilateralism, and strategic partnerships, using their limited size to promote cooperation and uphold international law.
Their geopolitical influence is based less on hard power and more on their ability to mediate and build consensus. San Marino demonstrates this through its history of neutrality and discussion, while Cyprus, despite ongoing division and regional pressures, has become a prominent EU member and energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
SpeciaEurasia met with Michele Muratori, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament of San Marino and Representative of the Republic of San Marino at the OSCE, recently visited Cyprus in the framework of parliamentary cooperation among small European states.
His engagements in Cyprus provided an opportunity to deepen dialogue on foreign affairs, European integration, and the geopolitical challenges facing the region. During his interview with SpecialEurasia, he reflects on the importance of multilateralism, the role of small states in international diplomacy, San Marino’s diplomatic approach, and the unique position of Cyprus as a divided but strategically significant country in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Mr Muratori, what was the significance of your recent participation in the Conference of the Presidents of the Parliaments of the Small States of Europe?
“This assembly carries considerable political and institutional value. For San Marino, it was an honour to represent our Captains Regent alongside my colleague Carlotta Andruccioli. Besides the official debates, it allowed for discussions with representatives from other small states. We are clearly eager to enhance our collaboration, including through a memorandum of understanding that the Principality of Monaco sponsors and will soon complete.
We also advocated for bilateral meetings between foreign affairs committees. We could assess, through conversation, the advantages small states have gained from joining or associating with the European Union. It was an important occasion for our country, and it confirmed that dialogue and multilateralism remain the best way forward, particularly in these times of international tension and economic challenges.”
The discussions during the conference touched on topics such as democratic participation and artificial intelligence. How do these themes relate to the concerns of small states?
“Small states face unique challenges, but also unique opportunities. Democratic participation is vital for maintaining legitimacy and cohesion within our societies, particularly when disinformation and polarisation are increasing globally.
Artificial intelligence, meanwhile, is a double-edged sword. While it poses issues related to rules, morals, and abuse, it provides small parliaments with resources to improve effectiveness and interact with the public more closely. Sharing successful strategies allows smaller states to adapt to these changes more effectively, preventing them from falling behind.”
During your trip to Cyprus, you also found yourself in a nation with a history of geopolitical conflict. What are your reflections on the Cypriot situation today?
“Cyprus represents both the difficulties and the opportunities of being a small state. The island’s division is a significant political and humanitarian issue, marked by the separation of communities since 1974 and the continued presence of international military forces. Yet Cyprus has also asserted itself within the European Union, maintaining strong adherence to international law while contributing to EU policies, even on complex issues such as the management of migration flows.
Simultaneously, Cyprus’s importance as an energy hub has grown because of gas field discoveries within its economic zone. This creates both opportunities for cooperation with neighbours and challenges because of disputes with Turkey. Cyprus’ strategic importance in the Mediterranean stems from a fragile balance between economic opportunities and political disagreements.”
From the perspective of San Marino and other small states, what can we learn from Cyprus’s experience in handling its geopolitical and economic realities?
“Cyprus shows that even small states, when integrated into broader structures like the European Union, can play a significant role in international affairs. It also shows the importance of resilience. Even though Cyprus faces division and regional instability, it has built a robust service-based economy, a thriving tourism industry, and is actively involved in regional energy collaborations.
San Marino, and other small countries, can increase their influence by being active in both international groups and individual country talks. It also reminds us that unresolved geopolitical disputes carry long-term costs, both economically and socially, and that dialogue remains essential even when solutions seem distant.”
Looking ahead, how do you envision the role of small states like San Marino and Cyprus in addressing shared global challenges?
“Small states must act as promoters of dialogue and guardians of multilateralism. Our size means we are more reliant on international norms, partnerships, and overall stability. Migration, climate change, and technological advancements are issues that demand a collaborative approach.
For this reason, reinforcing platforms of cooperation among small states is essential. We can make our voices heard by sharing our viewpoints, learning from our collective experiences, and working with bigger partners. Cyprus, a key player in the Mediterranean, and San Marino, known for its neutrality and diplomacy, can play vital roles in fostering unity in a divided world.”
