The Foreign Policy of Great Britain in relationship to the European Union.

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The Foreign Policy of Great Britain in relationship to the European Union.

B.A. (Hons) European Studies 2nd Year

ES 202 - The Foreign Policies of the Main EU States : Assignment

Introduction

The aim of this paper is to analyze the British policy vis-à-vis the European Union; first of all by looking at how the British Government itself looks at its country's participation in this community and related aspects like monetary union and the organization of a common defense. Also this paper will look at Britain's position in regards to the Union's present major internal debates, namely enlargement to the Central-East of Europe and to the Mediterranean and the necessary institutional reforms.

Historical Background

Before looking at the present position it is important to keep in mind the historical background. The British Government today, led by Tony Blair's Labour Party explains to the British citizens that their country without Europe will be weak. Yet the same party, fifty-five years ago was completely opposed to British participation.

The first elections after World War II were, perhaps surprisingly, not won by the pro-Europeanist and British leader during the War, Winston Churchill, but by the Labour Party led by Clement Attlee, which obtained a 146-seat majority in a seat of 640 deputies. There were several reasons that alienated the British Government away from the plans for some sort of European integration.

First of all, Britain still possessed a whole Empire and thus entrance in another Community could have been anomalous. Secondly, in the first fifteen years after the War Britain committed itself in many worldwide commitments of anti-Communist Defense pacts, like the Treaty of Brussels (WEU), NATO, SEATO, the Baghdad Pact and CENTO.

Thirdly there were the special relations between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The US had fought two world wars on Britain's side. Also, GB's economic survival in the early post-war years was dependent on American funds, the Marshall Aid being a typical example.1

This situation was to persist until the Sixties, when Britain finally came to apply for membership. In the 1960s Britain applied twice to join the Community. However French leader Charles de Gaulle, maybe fearing American interference as Britain went in, vetoed British accession. However in 1969, after De Gaulle's resignation, the Labour Government applied again. Negotiations were completed by the following Conservative Government, and in 1973 Britain joined the Community.

However the story does not stop here. Britain has been frequently accused of 'braking' the pace of the integration process. The failure of the British to embrace the ideals of European Union has continually led to differences with other Member states. Thatcher's relationship with the Community was characterized by these differences.

The unpopularity of the EC with much of the electorate for much of the time has influenced the approach of statesmen (and women), who are also politicians who have to win elections.

Britain was the only Member state ever to present to the population a referendum to leave the Community, which was, however, rejected. The strong sense of national identity has made it difficult for Britain's representatives in the Council to put the interests of Europe before those of GB were a clash occurs. Thus Britain has long been considered as, at least, an awkward partner.2

The present GB position

After the Conservative era in Britain, the 1996 victory of the Labour Party was crucial for British-European relations. The Conservative mentality on Europe was based on Thatcher's theory of a family of nations. Britain was thus quite reluctant about the whole project, but could never leave the Union. Thus the only thing it could do was to halt progress as much as possible. Britain remained on the outskirts of the Union.

However, with the Labour victory in 1996, the whole argument to follow is 'Britain's future is and will be as a leading partner in Europe', pronounced in Warsaw by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

The British Government not only explains why should his state support the Union, but also tries to excuse the difficult EU-GB relationship in the past. According to the Prime Minister this relationship has been so due to gross misjudgments, hesitation, alienation, incomprehension'3. Post-war Britain looked at the EU as a method to keep France and Germany from going back to war with each other. Britain's initial role therefore was that of a benign friend encouraging the former enemies to work together. Then Britain got alarmed with the rapid progress the Community was doing. At each stage, Britain thought that the Six's plans could not happen and held back. For the other Member States, admits Britain today, the reasons of history, proximity and democracy were compelling enough. For the British Governments of the time they were not.

The fact that Britain was not really desired at certain points is also acknowledged today. Charles de Gaulle had no hate towards the British, the victors in World War II, but he mistrusted American intentions and saw Britain as both a 'Trojan Horse for the US and a brake on the necessary strengthening of Europe.'4

From a European perspective, Britain is seen as a key partner. The country has a powerful economy, an obvious role in defense and foreign policy and internally is known for its stability. The relationship with the United States is not just a British asset but is, potentially, a European one. Britain can be the bridge between the EU and the US.
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From the British perspective, as Europe grows stronger and enlarges, there would be something truly strange and self-denying about standing apart from the key strategic alliance on its doorstep. Leaving Britain out is today considered by the Government as going against the country's national interest.

Three and a half million British jobs depend on Britain's membership of the EU. Over 50% of the trade is with Europe. British firms daily sell GBP320 million of goods and services into the European single market. Some 50,000 new British jobs were created last year alone from inward investment due to ...

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