Flashcards: UK and European Integration: History and Politics — 22 cards

European integration — post-1945 process?

European states cooperate to rebuild and prevent conflict.

Franco-German reconciliation — role?

Core of European unity after WWII.

Council of Europe — purpose?

Promote human rights and democracy in Europe.

United States of Europe — Churchill’s idea?

Unified Europe to strengthen global position.

Maastricht Treaty — year and significance?

1992; created the EU as a supranational organization.

UK reluctance — main concern?

Loss of control over economy and sovereignty.

Treaty of Rome — purpose?

Founded the EEC to develop a common market.

UK objections in 1950s — reasons?

Loss of control, Commonwealth ties, anti-federalism.

De Gaulle’s veto — year and reason?

1963; UK’s extensive world links and US closeness.

UK entry — year?

1973, after De Gaulle’s resignation in 1969.

Thatcher’s Bruges speech — year?

1988; criticized Brussels’ power and emphasized shared history.

European Parliament — Thatcher’s view?

Feared it would reduce domestic parliamentary control.

CAP crisis — year and issue?

1980; UK challenged EU farm subsidy spending.

UK budget contribution — comparison?

Higher than Germany and France due to outside imports.

UK opt-outs — examples?

Schengen area (1985), Single Market (1986).

Maastricht Social Chapter — UK stance?

Objected; removed from treaty; left to national governments.

UKIP — founding reason?

Oppose deeper European integration, triggered by Maastricht.

UKIP membership — growth?

From 10,000 in 2010 to 35,000 in 2016.

Brexit referendum — date?

23 June 2016.

Vote outcome — percentage?

52% Leave, 48% Remain.

North/South divide — Brexit?

Leave mostly in lower-income, high-unemployment areas.

Brexit negotiations — options?

Hard Brexit (full exit), Soft Brexit (closer ties).