Britain is widely regarded as the « awkward partner » in Europe. How accurate is this assessment?

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

03/27/2007

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

International relations

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Summary :

Introduction
Britain's attitude towards Europe post WW2
The situation during the period of Cold War
Impact of the success of EEC
British diplomacy and policies towards the EU
Conclusion
Bibliography

Abstract

"We have our own dream and our own task. We are with europe, but not of it. We are linked, but not combined. We are interested and associated, but not absorbed."
Winston Churchill's famous quote aptly describes britain's approach to European integration since the inception of the EU in the 1950's. Churchill emphasised that although he was 'not opposed to a European Federation', he 'never thought that britain or the British Commonwealth should become an integral part.' Churchill's attitude towards the EU has been imitated by many of the Prime Ministers that followed him. britain's relationship towards European integration has generally been one of a reluctant union, supporting free trade and mutually beneficial cooperation, while attempting to distance itself from economic and cultural 'unity' with europe. In the same way, Keynes wrote in 1919: "England still stands outside europe. europe's voiceless tremors do not reach her. europe is apart and England is not of her Flesh and blood." this statement also highlights the fact that by the end of the First World War britain was considered to be "in europe but not of europe".