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The United Kingdom joins the EEC
On 1 January 1973 the UK formally joined the European Economic Community, an organisation set up with the goal of economic integration among its member states. Many consider this the EU's predecessor, although it was strictly only one of the components of the European Union that was formed 20 years after. -
The "first referendum"
On 5 June 1975 the UK held a post-legislative referendum to see whether the British people supported the decision to join the EEC. 67% of the British voters voted to stay in, with a turnout rate of 65%. Although technically this referendum didn't concern the European Union (but the EEC), many consider this is as the first step towards the 2016 referendum, because from that moment on many called for another referendum. -
Cameron's long awaited speech
After consistent pressure from other members of his party and from the UK independence party, David Cameron announces in a speech that the British people will "have their say" on the EU if the conservatives win the 2014 general election. He wants to renegotiate the UK's relationship with the EU with a great focus on the single market, after which the British people will vote whether they want to stay in, or leave the EU. -
The European Union Referendum Bill
The bill that had to be enacted for the EU referendum to take place has cleared parliament and is unveiled by Her Majesty in the Queen's Speech. Simultaneous to, amongst others, a dispute between the House of Commons and the House of Lords about the minimum age to vote, Cameron is busy seeking support from other EU leaders for his renegotiations. -
Negotiations kick off
Cameron uses the first European Council meeting after his victory in the general elections to set out his aims regarding renegotiations to the other EU leaders. -
And finally...
After months of negotiations, Cameron finally gets his continental counterparts to agree on his controversial four year ban on in-work benefits for immigrants that come to the UK. Also, he "saves" the UK from an "ever closer union" with the other member states. He is heavily criticised by some, who believe the new deal does not give Britain more sovereignty or effective tools to deal with high numbers of immigration. -
The date is announced
The date for the EU referendum is announced: 23 June 2016. The stay, as well as the leave campaign, really kick off now. -
The Referendum and beyond
It's up to the people of Britain now to answer the following question: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" If the UK decides to leave the EU, it will still take at least two years to exit the EU, because a country has to notify the European Council two years in advance before leaving. Leaving would most probably involve lengthy negotiations, because matters like the UK's access (if at all) to the single market will have to be discussed.
