evidence: Mayotte became an overseas department of France (département d'outre-mer, DOM) on 31 March 2011 following the result of the March 2009 Mahoran status referendum, which was overwhelmingly approved by around 95% of voters. Becoming an overseas department meant Mayotte adopted France's judicial and social systems to become a full constituent territory within the French Republic. In regards to the European Union, Mayotte remained an 'overseas country and territory' (OCT) in association with the Union (as per Article 355(2) TFEU), but thereafter became an outermost region in 2014 following a directive of the European Council in December 2013.