History of Britain in Europe

Britain and Europe
1. History
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Research criteria
2. Major events
2.1 European Free Trade Association 2.2 Applications for EEC membership 2.2.1 First application (1961) 2.2.2 Second application (1967) 2.2.3 Entry to the EEC (1973) 2.2.4 Referendum (1975) 2.3 European projects/policies 2.3.1 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2.3.2 Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) 2.3.3 Single European Act (1986) 2.3.4 Maastricht Treary (1992)
3. Latest Developments
Latest Developments
4. Help
Abbreviations
5. Bibliography
Useful literature on Britain and Europe
Future projects
Crises Bosnia (1999) War on Terror after 9/11 Afghanistan (2001) Iraq II (2003)
Contact
John Alistair Kühne

Introduction

Andrew Gamble (2003) asks the central question: How European are the English and the other British nations? Exactly the same question troubled Charles de Gaulle both in 1961 and 1967 - his answer was 'non' to the United Kingdom's apllication for full EEC membership. Only after his death could Britain join the strongest growing market in 1973.
The negotiated terms for Britain were not very favourable, i.e. Britain was the highest net contributor to the Common Argicultural Policy (CAP), but only got relatively few subsidies for its strong agricultural sector in return. This problem was later resolved by Margaret Thatcher 'wanting her money back', causing Britain on the other side to drift farther into the corner of being an 'awkward partner'.
The next rift developed over the single market. Britain always had great interest in free trade, but did not want to give up its sovereignty and be governed by 'Brussels' (here especially by the French or the Germans). Britain opted-out of the single currency until today.
As we speak today one still has to present one's passport when entering the UK by ship - a very uncommon thing within a European Union, don't you think?

This wiki is still in its infancy - please join in and add new chapters and web resources!

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Useful links:

• BBC News: The UK and Europe - ever closer Union? (2002-2003)