Britain is no longer a member state of the European Union, having formally withdrawn on January 31, 2020.
For many learners, the relationship between Britain and the European Union can seem intricate, evolving over decades with significant shifts. Understanding this dynamic is a fundamental aspect of contemporary European politics and international relations.
Understanding the European Union: A Brief Overview
The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union involving 27 European countries. Its origins trace back to the post-World War II era, aiming to foster economic interdependence and prevent future conflicts.
Initially formed as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, it expanded to become the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome. The EEC focused on creating a common market, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among member states.
The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, formally established the European Union, introducing concepts like common citizenship, a common foreign and security policy, and laying the groundwork for a single currency, the Euro. The EU operates through a system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental decision-making.
Britain’s Historical Ties to European Integration
The United Kingdom’s relationship with European integration has been complex from the outset. Britain initially declined to join the founding members of the ECSC and EEC, preferring to maintain Commonwealth ties and a global outlook.
By the late 1960s, economic realities shifted, and Britain applied for membership. French President Charles de Gaulle twice vetoed its entry, citing concerns about Britain’s commitment to Europe. Britain finally joined the EEC on January 1, 1973, alongside Denmark and Ireland.
Just two years later, in 1975, the UK held a referendum on its continued membership. The public voted decisively to remain in the EEC. Over the subsequent decades, Britain participated in the evolution of the European project, including the creation of the single market, but opted out of certain key initiatives, such as the Euro currency and the Schengen Area of passport-free travel.
Is Britain Part Of The European Union? The Decision to Leave
Despite its membership, a significant strain of Euroscepticism persisted within the United Kingdom. Concerns centered on national sovereignty, contributions to the EU budget, and the implications of free movement of people.
In 2013, then-Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to hold an in-out referendum on EU membership. The referendum took place on June 23, 2016, with 51.9% of voters choosing to leave the European Union, against 48.1% who voted to remain.
The vote for “Leave” reflected a complex mix of motivations, including desires for greater control over national laws, borders, and trade policy. The result initiated a period of intense political and economic uncertainty for both the UK and the EU.
The Withdrawal Process: Article 50 and Negotiations
The formal process for leaving the European Union is outlined in Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This article provides a two-year period for negotiating a withdrawal agreement.
The UK government formally triggered Article 50 on March 29, 2017, notifying the European Council of its intention to withdraw. The subsequent negotiations were intricate, covering a wide range of issues.
Key areas of discussion included citizens’ rights (safeguarding the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU), the financial settlement (often referred to as the “divorce bill”), and the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which remained a particularly sensitive point due to the Good Friday Agreement.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | UK joins EEC | Entry into the European Economic Community |
| 1975 | Referendum on EEC | Public vote to remain in the EEC |
| 1993 | Maastricht Treaty | EEC formally becomes the European Union |
| 2016 | Brexit Referendum | Public votes to leave the EU |
| 2017 | Article 50 triggered | Formal start of the withdrawal process |
| 2020 | UK leaves EU | End of UK’s membership |
| 2020 | Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed | New trade relationship established |
The Transition Period and New Agreements
After significant political debate and multiple extensions, the United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020. This marked the end of its 47-year membership.
Following withdrawal, a transition period began, lasting until December 31, 2020. During this period, the UK remained subject to EU law and continued to participate in the single market and customs union, effectively maintaining the status quo while a future relationship agreement was negotiated.
On December 30, 2020, the UK and the EU signed the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). This comprehensive free trade agreement governs their relationship since January 1, 2021. The TCA established zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade in goods, provided they meet rules of origin. It also covers areas like services, digital trade, intellectual property, energy, transport, and fisheries, alongside provisions for law enforcement and judicial cooperation.
The Current Relationship: A Third Country Status
Since January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom has been a “third country” in relation to the European Union. This means it is no longer part of the EU’s single market, customs union, or the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
The new relationship brought significant changes. Trade between the UK and the EU now involves customs checks, declarations, and regulatory compliance, even with the zero-tariff agreement. This has introduced new administrative burdens for businesses.
For individuals, the free movement of people between the UK and the EU ended. UK citizens now require visas or permits for stays longer than 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen area, and EU citizens require visas for work or long-term residency in the UK. The Northern Ireland Protocol, a specific part of the Withdrawal Agreement, established unique arrangements for Northern Ireland to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, creating a de facto customs border in the Irish Sea.
| Aspect | As EU Member (Before 2020) | As Third Country (After 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Market Access | Full, frictionless access | Access with customs checks and regulatory divergence |
| Customs Union | Part of EU Customs Union | Operates independent customs territory |
| Free Movement of People | UK citizens could live/work in EU, vice-versa | Visa/permit requirements apply for long stays |
| European Court of Justice | UK subject to ECJ rulings | UK not subject to ECJ rulings |
| EU Budget Contributions | Contributed to EU budget | Does not contribute to EU budget |
Navigating the Post-Brexit Landscape
The UK’s departure from the EU has led to ongoing adjustments across various sectors. Businesses have adapted to new trading rules, supply chains have been reconfigured, and new regulatory frameworks have emerged in the UK.
Discussions continue regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, seeking solutions that balance trade flows, political stability, and the Good Friday Agreement. The UK and the EU maintain diplomatic relations and cooperate on global issues, but their bilateral relationship is now defined by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and ongoing dialogue rather than shared membership.
The UK now pursues an independent trade policy, negotiating agreements with countries worldwide. This shift represents a fundamental change in Britain’s geopolitical and economic positioning on the global stage.