How did Brexit happen?
From membership to separation, here are the key moments that have led to the UK’s divorce from the European Union
1957
The European Economic Community (EEC), also known as the Common Market, is formed. The EEC is made up of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany, under the Treaty of Rome.
1960
The European Free Trade Association is created as a rival to the EEC. It’s comprised of Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
1961
The UK submits an application to join the EEC, however, the application is rejected in 1963.
1967–1973
The UK submits two more applications to join the EEC, which are rejected. However, in 1973 the country is granted entry into the EEC along with Denmark and Ireland.
1975
After just two years of membership the UK holds a referendum to decide whether or not to stay in the EEC. The vote resulted in a decision to remain, with 67.2 per cent for and 32.8 per cent against.
1981
New member Greece joins the EEC.
1984
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher organises a rebate on the UK’s contribution to the EEC.
1985
The UK refuses to sign The Schengen Treaty to join in a borderless zone across member states.
1986
New members Portugal and Spain join the EEC.
1992
Under the new Maastricht Treaty, signed by UK Prime Minister John Major, the European Union (EU) is formed to offer a single currency and the coordination of social and security policy, in which EEC members are enrolled.
1995
New members Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU.
1997
Security and employment policies are strengthened by the signing of The Treaty of Amsterdam by member states.
2001
The Treaty of Nice is signed by the 15 member states of the EU to prepare for the next large intake of members to strengthen the institution.
2004
New members Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the EU.
2007
New members Bulgaria and Romania join the EU. The Treaty of Lisbon is signed by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to extend the powers of the European parliament.
2013
New member Croatia joins the EU.
2016
Britain carries out a nationwide referendum to decide its membership of the EU. The result is 5.1.9 per cent to leave, 48.1 to remain.
Nov–Dec 2018
The UK government finally reaches a Brexit deal with the EU, however the deal is rejected by a UK parliament vote.
Jan-Dec 2019
After renegotiations between the UK government and the EU, an amended deal is presented and again rejected in a vote by the UK parliament. Boris Johnson wins the Tory leadership election in July, then a general election in December. A massive Tory majority means he is easily able to push his Withdrawal bill through parliament.
31 Jan 2020
The UK formally leaves the European Union.
This article was originally published in How It Works issue 123
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