An Analysis Of The Roots Of European Hypothesis

Euroscepticism in the UK has a long history, along with the evolution of Britain’s relations with Europe. The UK has a unique Eurosceptic atmosphere. The UK is a typical country of Euroscepticism, which is labeled with EU’s awkward partner, hitchhiker, and Trojan Horse. Especially British Conservative Party, Labour Party and the Independence Party have the most prominent atmosphere, which mainly focus on the political, economic and other issues, such as the opposition to the establishment of political integration, Britain’s refusal to join the euro zone and so on.This article aims to explore the root causes of Euroscepticism, which can help us understand the Euroscepticism better, laying the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Britain and Europe.Britain’s great power status and glorious history have become a burden for Britain, and affects Britain’s post-war policy towards Europe. The policies including the balance of power and isolationism make UK’s postwar foreign policy which is towards EU locked into the illusion of great power. Superiority given by history makes Britain did not seriously participate in and promote the post-war European integration. And Britain seeks special treatment in many issues.Transferring national sovereignty is the objective requirements of the European political integration, which was firmly opposed by Britain. Similarly, because of the European Parliament, the power of British Parliament is limited. Because UK sees national sovereignty transference as the loss of national sovereignty, UK opposes the more intense political integration. Therefore, the British being not compromised on the issue of political integration is closely linked to the Eurosceptic attitude.By far, economic integration is the most outstanding achievements of European integration. But the British has shown much uniqueness in many issues, including the Common Agricultural Policy and Budget Allotment and the Euro/the Pound and the European debt crisis. Ultimately, Britain spared no effort to defend their own economic interests thus making UK and the EU have many differences, which is the economic roots of Euroscepticism.Because of the Euroscepticism, the development of UK-EU relationship twists and turns. The awkward partner is best description of Britain. With the deepening of European economic integration and political integration, Britain’s tendency of Euroscepticism is getting more and more prominent in Europe, even to the point of withdrawing from EU. Cameron won the 2015 British general election, and the UK Referendum was scheduled for June 23 rd 2016. The result of the referendum is difficult to predict, and prospect of the relationship between Britain and Europe is uncertain.