EEFTA and Attempts to Join the EEC
Britain's relationship with European integration got off to a complicated start. While supporting economic cooperation through initiatives like the Schuman Plan, Britain initially chose to remain outside the European Economic Community (EEC) when it formed in 1957. The government was more focused on maintaining Britain's triple position in world affairs: European ties, Commonwealth relationships, and the special bond with the USA.
By 1959, Britain established the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as an alternative, but its limited success prompted a change of heart. The UK finally applied to join the EEC in 1961, recognising Europe's growing economic importance. However, French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's application in 1963, determined to protect the French-German alliance from "les Anglo-Saxons."
The reasons for Britain's initial reluctance to join were complex. Labour harboured suspicions about the free-market principles behind the Common Market, while Conservatives prioritised Commonwealth trade links. Many British leaders, still from the wartime generation, clung to visions of Britain as a global power and viewed Germany with lingering suspicion.
Did you know? Britain could have easily joined the EEC at any point up to 1957 but chose not to, believing it wasn't vital to British interests. It wasn't until 1973, after de Gaulle left office, that Britain finally secured membership.
