United Kingdom’s Opt-outs In The Process Of European Integration

Schuman Plan was put forward in1951, it marked the beginning of European integration. At first UK rejected Schuman Plan, didn’t take part in Messina conference, as a consequence UK lost the chance of leading Europe. Due to economic recession, loss of colonies, the success of European Community and the influence from America, UK joined European Community in1973. But the disputes about European Community didn’t end. In1975, The Wilson government held a referendum on whether withdrawing from European Community or not. Although the majority of the British people voted to stay in European Community, there were strong objections. Margaret Thatcher took a tough attitude to European Community membership. UK opted out of some European Community policies such as Eurozone and Schengen Area.First, I will introduce the meaning of opt-out rights, introduce how European Union countries exercise opt-out rights, then describe how UK exercised opt-out rights in Eurozone, Schengen Area, Lisbon Treaty, Social chapter and explain how the economic factors, tradition, opinions contributed to UK’s choices. I will also study the influence of UK’s choices on European integration, and European Community’s attitude to that.My opinion is that opt-out rights will destroy the integrity of European integration. On the other side, the opt-out rights speed up the European integration.I think UK’s choice was affected by historical factor, geographical factor, national identity, unique media, political party system, Euroscepticism and so on. I think UK’s aloof attitude will not change, but it’s impossible for UK to leave European Union.