Is North Cyprus in Europe?

North Cyprus (TRNC) is geographically considered to be part of Europe and its citizens, the Turkish Cypriots, enjoy the rights of European citizens.  The EU also funds projects in Northern Cyprus as part of its ongoing EU enlargement programme.  However, after the Greek Cypriots voted “no” to reunification in the Annan Plan whole island referendum of 2004,  Northern Cyprus has maintained an independent government, parliament and legal system which is not part of the European Union.