Cyprus an EU member - Annan Plan Rejected - Cyprus is officially since May 1st a European Union member state. This great event of the enlargement of the European Union with 10 new member states was marked with great celebrations throughout Europe, including Cyprus. Only a few days earlier, on April 24th, the Cypriots were asked to decide by referendum on the revised Annan Plan for their own future. With a 76% "No" vote by the Greek Cypriots (who raised security reasons) and a 65% "Yes" vote by the Turkish Cypriots the Annan plan did not achieve its objectives. Today there is still no new initiative for re-negotiation. More optimism now for the national carrier of Cyprus The entry of Cyprus as a full member in the European Union last year was a moment of joy for most Cypriots. It was also the cause for several headaches that were to be expected. One of them was the loss of state protection that Cyprus Airways enjoyed in the past, thanks to which they kept the biggest volume of flights to and from Cyprus. This loss triggered serious problems, with the airline taking drastic measures which included personnel layoffs, which in turn triggered changes in the board of directors in hope for better days for the company.