Why are Cyprus and Malta sometimes considered European countries?

<h3>Why are Cyprus and Malta sometimes considered European countries?</h3>

Malta is in the African plate and Cyprus is closer to the middle east than to any european country.


<strong>Cyprus best answer:</strong>
<p><i>Answer by yourinnervoice</i><br/>Historically they are European islands, with Mediterranean culture influenced by European mores trade, and development. And, back when established, there was no knowledge of plate tectonics. Vessels built were from Europe, so they built the influence, also.</p>
<p><strong>Cyprus Cedar</strong>
<img alt="Cyprus" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6442794077_82c46b388e.jpg" width="400"/><br/>
<i>Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13861029@N00/6442794077">Sergey Yeliseev</a></i>
Cyprus Cedar - Cedrus brevifolia - Кипрский кедр

Cyprus, Paphos forest, 11/24/2011</p>

---

Orignal From: Why are Cyprus and Malta sometimes considered European countries?