10.1 The UK's relationship with the European Union

The UK's relationship with the EU has been a rollercoaster ride. From joining in 1973 to Brexit in 2020, it's been filled with ups and downs. This complex history shaped British politics, economy, and society for decades.

Before Brexit, the UK had a unique position in the EU. It opted out of key policies like the euro, but still played a big role in shaping EU rules. This balancing act between integration and independence defined UK-EU relations.

UK's EU Membership: A Historical Journey

Early Attempts and Successful Entry

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• UK's initial 1961 EEC application vetoed by French President Charles de Gaulle due to concerns about Britain's compatibility with European economic practices
• Successful EEC entry in 1973 under Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath following second application and de Gaulle's retirement
• First nationwide referendum on continued EEC membership held in 1975 resulted in 67% vote in favor of remaining

Deepening Integration and Emerging Tensions

• UK played significant role in developing 1986 Single European Act aimed at creating single market within European Community
• 1992 Maastricht Treaty transformed European Community into European Union introducing EU citizenship and euro (UK opted out of single currency)
• UK-EU relationship increasingly strained in 2010s culminating in 2016 referendum on EU membership and subsequent Brexit process

UK-EU Relations Before Brexit

Unique Position and Contributions

• UK maintained distinctive stance within EU negotiating opt-outs from key policies (Schengen Agreement, euro currency)
• Constant debate over UK's contributions to and receipts from EU budget with UK securing rebate on contributions in 1984
• Significant UK role in shaping EU policies (single market, competition law, enlargement)

Movement and Legal Implications

• Freedom of movement allowed EU citizens to live and work in UK contributing to demographic changes and economic growth
• EU law held primacy over UK law in areas of EU competence sparking debates on sovereignty and European Court of Justice's role
• UK participation in EU programs and agencies (Europol, European Medicines Agency) facilitated cooperation across various sectors

International Influence

• Substantial UK influence in EU foreign policy and security matters often acting as bridge between EU and NATO interests

Factors Shaping UK-EU Ties

Political and Economic Influences

• Growing Euroscepticism within British politics (particularly Conservative Party) influenced public opinion on EU membership
• UK's strong economic ties with non-EU countries (United States, Commonwealth nations) affected perspective on European integration
• 2008 financial crisis and subsequent Eurozone debt crisis heightened concerns about UK's economic exposure to EU problems

Social and Cultural Factors

• Immigration from EU countries became contentious political issue particularly after 2004 EU enlargement to Eastern European states
• British media coverage of EU affairs often focused on negative aspects contributing to public skepticism about membership benefits
• Perceived loss of national sovereignty to EU institutions fueled debates on democratic accountability and UK's independent decision-making ability
• Cultural factors including strong sense of British exceptionalism and historical Commonwealth ties influenced attitudes towards European integration

EU Institutions' Influence on UK Governance

Legislative and Executive Impact

• European Commission as EU's executive body proposed and enforced legislation directly affecting UK law and policy-making
• UK-elected Members of European Parliament (MEPs) participated in EU-wide legislative processes influencing regulations applicable to all member states
• Council of European Union where UK ministers represented national interests played crucial role in adopting EU laws and coordinating policies

Judicial and Legal Effects

• European Court of Justice decisions had binding effects on UK courts sometimes overruling national judgments in areas of EU competence
• EU regulations had direct effect in UK while directives required implementation through domestic legislation impacting law-making process
• Principle of subsidiarity aimed at ensuring decisions taken at most appropriate level influenced power distribution between EU and UK

Policy Coordination and Cooperation

• EU institutions provided platforms for cooperation and policy coordination (environmental protection, consumer rights, scientific research) shaping UK governance approaches in these fields