Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million customs clearance documents per year

no longer need to be completed, cutting bureaucracy and reducing costs and deli
very times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag

gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.

The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit

ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag

gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.Removal of
customs barriers mean 60 million customs clearance documents per year no longer
need to be completed, cutting bureaucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b

uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under

stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit

ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.

Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under

stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it

is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra

mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm

only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa

rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.

Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa

in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries

later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of

15 and soon there will be 25 member states.

Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa

in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,

Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.

The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)

Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t

hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e

ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo

sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t

hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.

(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn

against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli

tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation

among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.

Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E

urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)

Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier

to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a

public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E

urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th

e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f

ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,

Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col

onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl

y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain

's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col

onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU

The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.

The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically

and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour

aging Japanese firms.

he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.

This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T

herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t

his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under

stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.

This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana

nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an

d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between

their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i

ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa

in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are

issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.

This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being

mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i

ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa

in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are

issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.

This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin

g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport

and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)

Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a
nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re

garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e

ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain

's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.
Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min

ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t

hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re

garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e

ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s

uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.

The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU

). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und

er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:Removal of customs barriers mean 60 million c
ustoms clearance documents per year no longer need to be completed, cutting bure
aucracy and reducing costs and delivery times
Countries in the EU, are amongst the highest positions in the Human Development
Index (HDI)
Poorer counties, such as Ireland, Portugal and Spain have made significant degre
es of economic development since they joined the European Union. A report sugges
ts that over the period of the 1980s and 2004 enlargement, there are substantia
l positive pay-offs of EU membership, with a gain in per capita GDP of approxima
tely 12% for poorer countries. (Vox - how poorer countries benefit from EU)
Social cohesion fund. This has invested in poorer areas of the EU to help reduce
regional disparities. For example, Ireland benefited from the EU social cohesio
n fund (over 6 billion of investment in education and infrastructure spending)
EU structural funds to help Eastern European economies develop will benefit the
UK in the long term because as they become more affluent, they will be able to b
uy more UK exports.
The European Union has attracted greater inward investment from outside the EU.
Inward investment grew from 23 billion [15.4 billion] in 1992 to 159 billion [ 106.
5 billion] in 2005. The UK is the 5th largest source of inward investment in the
world, and being a member of the single market is an important factor in encour
aging Japanese firms.
he European Social Fund (ESF)
Labour and free movement of people
Free movement of labour and capital have helped create a more flexible economy.
For example, UK and Ireland have benefited from the immigration of Eastern Europ
ean workers to fill labour market shortages in certain areas, such as plumbing,
nursing and cleaning.
Far from 'taking jobs', migration has helped increase productive capacity and ma
kes a net contribution to tax revenues. (see impact of net migration)
Free movement of labour also enables British people to live and work in Europe.
Roughly 1.6 million British citizens live in the EU outside the UK (UNCTAD World
Investment Report 2010)I am here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of
Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as t
he 'old continent', was an aggregate of great powers, which had no interest in a
ny sort of unification. Nearly three centuries later, new nations have emerged a

nd new industrial powers have developed. International relations are by far more
complex and the concept of Europe as a Community, economical as well as politic
al, made its way into the minds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were
signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community
between just six countries. The reforms being mainly economical so far, this pa
rtnership is now composed of 15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.

Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
EU migrants are net contributors to UK Treasury. EU migrants tend to be young. T
herefore pay taxes, but use relatively small share of NHS and pensions. See: Fis
cal effects of immigration. Net migration has helped deal with the UK's demograp
hic timebomb.
EU has enabled people to travel freely across national boundaries making trade a
nd tourism easier and cheaper. According to the European Commission, more than 1
5 million EU citizens have moved to other EU countries to work or to enjoy their
retirement.
1.5 million young people have completed part of their studies in another member
state with the help of the Erasmus programme. The possibility to study abroad is
considered positive by 84% of EU citizens. (benefits of EU)
Easier to use qualifications in different member countries. This makes it easier
to work abroad without having to retrain in different national qualifications.
Mutual recognition of safety standards and rules have helped reduce costs for fi
rms. This has encouraged the development of small and medium business who rely o
n low cost of exports.

Social charter enshrines protection for workers such as maximum working week, ri
ght to collective bargaining and fair pay for employment. I am here in a country
that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philosopher Montesquie
u in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an aggregate of great
powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearly three centuries
later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have developed. Inter
national relations are by far more complex and the concept of Europe as a Commun
ity, economical as well as political, made its way into the minds of European co
untries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and then in Rome (1957
), setting up a European Community between just six countries. The reforms being
mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of 15 and soon there
will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have

developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.
Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...I am
here in a country that hardly resembles the rest of Europe, said the French philo
sopher Montesquieu in 1729. Europe, then known as the 'old continent', was an ag
gregate of great powers, which had no interest in any sort of unification. Nearl
y three centuries later, new nations have emerged and new industrial powers have
developed. International relations are by far more complex and the concept of E
urope as a Community, economical as well as political, made its way into the min
ds of European countries' leaders. Agreements were signed in Paris (1951), and t
hen in Rome (1957), setting up a European Community between just six countries.
The reforms being mainly economical so far, this partnership is now composed of
15 and soon there will be 25 member states.

Only a year after being accepted into the European Union, Britain was already re
garded as an 'awkward partner': a reputation that still remains today. In this e
ssay I will not try to write the history of Britain in the European Union from i
ts entry in 1973. My aim is to take a look at Britain's attitude regarding certa
in events of the composition of the European Union, and discuss whether or not t
his attitude is a factor of Britain's 'awkward' reputation. We will try to under
stand the criteria on which decisions were made and assess the degree of Britain
's 'awkwardness' to each of these. As the process of integration was spread over
fifty years and is still in progress, and since all historical developments are
issued from previous events, we will adopt a chronological approach.
This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it

s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe

an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin

g the end of the World War II were:

This essay looks back as far as what seems to be a relevant explanation for Brit
ain's special consideration of Europe. By the end of the nineteenth century, col
onial and civil wars, religion, empire, early industrial revolution and a certai
n parliamentary "freedom had combined to forge a British patriotism enhanced by a
public myth of uniqueness. British policy towards its continent could b...
European Arrest Warrant (EAW) scheme has made it easier to track criminals acros
s the European continent.
Environmental benefits of the EU
The EU have raised the quality of sea water and beeches, by implementing regulat
ions on water standards 'Bathing Water Directive'. 92% of tourist locations now
meet minimum water quality standards. (Clean water at Europa.eu)
Tackling global warming. In 2006, the (EU) committed to reducing its global warm
ing emissions by at least 20 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU has also com
mitted to spending $375 billion a year to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at lea
st 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. (global warming pdf)
Tackling acid rain. Environmental treaties which have sought to deal with Europe
an wide environmental problems such as acid rain. The EU has set strict restrict
ions on emissions of pollutants, such as sulphur, and other causes of acid rain.
(BBC Link)
Consumer benefits of the EU
EU competition policy has harmonised regulation of monopoly and cartel power wit
hin Europe. The EU competition policy seeks to avoid abuses of cartels / monopol
y / dominant market power and protect the interest of consumer. There has been s
uccessful deregulation of airlines, electricity and gas markets.
The EU has reduced the price of making mobile phone calls abroad. In 2007 EU leg
islation set maximum charges for making and receiving calls. The EU also agreed
with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to create standard design for chargers from
2011 in order to make life easier for consumers and reduce wastage. In 2014, it
is has voted to scrap roaming charges which will drastically reduce the cost of
using a mobile phone abroad. (BBC link)
Consumers are free to shop in any EU countries without paying any tariffs or exc
ise duties when they return home.
So what have the EU ever done for us, apart from straighten all those pesky bana
nas?

The European Community was an institutional framework for the construction of a

united Europe. The European Community is commonly called the (EU) and later offi
cially became known as the European Union (EU). It was created after World War I
I to unite the nations of Europe economically and politically by uniting their r
esources into a single economy. By doing so, another war would be less likely am
ong neighboring countries. A number of European leaders became convinced that th
e only way to secure a lasting peace between their countries was to unite them e
conomically and politically. This was the framework for the building of the earl
y European Community which expanded into the European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin

g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport

and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were:The European Community was an institutional f
ramework for the construction of a united Europe. The European Community is comm
only called the (EU) and later officially became known as the European Union (EU
). It was created after World War II to unite the nations of Europe economically
and politically by uniting their resources into a single economy. By doing so,
another war would be less likely among neighboring countries. A number of Europe
an leaders became convinced that the only way to secure a lasting peace between
their countries was to unite them economically and politically. This was the fra
mework for the building of the early European Community which expanded into the
European Union.
The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between it
s neighbors, which culminated in the World War II. In 1950, the European Coal an
d Steel Community (ECSC) began to unite European countries economically and poli
tically in order to secure lasting peace "The organization oversees cooperation
among its members in diverse areas, including trade, the environment, transport
and employment." (BBC) The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Based on the Schuman plan, these six cou
ntries signed a treaty to run their heavy industries of coal and steel. Thus und
er a common management no country could, on its own, make weapons of war to turn
against the other as in the past. The founding fathers of the European Union, a
nd regarded by many as the principal architects of European integration followin
g the end of the World War II were: