A historic vote
On 24 April 2004, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot voters went to the polls in simultaneous referendums to decide on the United Nations–backed Annan Plan, which sought to reunify the island after decades of division.
The referendum was held just days before Cyprus’s accession to the European Union, heightening expectations that a settlement could allow a reunited country to enter the bloc.
The result
The outcome exposed a clear divide between the two communities. While Turkish Cypriots approved the plan by a strong majority, Greek Cypriots rejected it by more than three quarters, leading to the plan’s failure and the continuation of the island’s division. As a consequence, the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU on 1 May 2004 as a divided state, with EU law suspended in the north.
What the Annan Plan proposed
The Annan Plan envisaged a bi‑zonal, bi‑communal federation, with power‑sharing arrangements, territorial adjustments, mechanisms for property restitution and security guarantees involving international actors.
Supporters described it as a historic opportunity to resolve the Cyprus problem, while opponents raised concerns about security, the functionality of the proposed state and the long‑term presence of foreign troops.
A lasting reference point
Twenty‑two years later, the 24 April 2004 referendum remains a defining moment in Cyprus’s modern history. Its legacy continues to shape political debate, public discourse and negotiations around reunification and confidence‑building measures.