A constitutional referendum was held in Lithuania on 29 June 2014.^[1] Proposed amendments to articles 9, 47 and 147 of the constitution would have reduced the number of signatures required to call a referendum from 300,000 to 100,000, prevent foreigners from owning land in the country, and require all decisions related to the exploitation and extraction of natural resources that would have national and local importance to require approval by referendum.^[2]

Quick Facts Outcome, Results ...

2014 Lithuanian constitutional referendum

29 June 2014
Outcome	Proposal failed as less than 50% of registered voters voted in favour
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 269,049 72.83% No 100,375 27.17% Valid votes 369,424 97.17% Invalid or blank votes 10,754 2.83% Total votes 380,178 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 2,538,430 14.98%

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Although 73% of voters voted in favour of the changes, the result was invalidated by a turnout of just 14.98%.^[3][4]

When Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004, it agreed to allow the sale of land to foreigners. However, the country was granted a seven-year transition period, under which sale of land to foreigners remained illegal. This period was later extended to last until May 2014.^[1]

A previous referendum on allowing EU citizens to buy land was held in 1996. Although a majority of those voting voted in favour, the required quorum of 50% of registered voters voting in favour was not achieved.

The referendum was supported by the Lithuanian Nationalist Union and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union.

It was opposed by the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and the main opposition Homeland Union.^[5]