When the United Kingdom finally joined the EEC (now known as the European Union) in 1973, a majority of the nation was in full support, as the referendum suggested. However, over time there has been debate over whether being part of the European Union is indeed best for the United Kingdom. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, today the reasons to join no longer seem as valid as they once did. According to some, the United Kingdom would benefit from no longer being a member of the European Union. It is well known that after World War II, states began to move away from the nationalist tendencies that initially sparked the conflict. In large parts of Europe, on the contrary, there is great support for federalism and support for integration and interdependence. In 1952, the European Coal and Steel Community was established, followed by the creation of the European Economic Community in 1957. With the formation of allies and the signing of different treaties and agreements, Europe definitively became a “federation”. In 1973, Great Britain joined the EEC with Denmark and Ireland. The European Union was then officially created by Maastricht in 1993 and gained its 28th member, Croatia, in July 2013. When a referendum was held in the United Kingdom regarding EU membership, the vote was was two to one. The benefits of EU membership were obvious. The United Kingdom would benefit not only economically, but also politically and socially. However, in recent times opinions have changed. There is now debate over whether the UK should remain a member of the EU. More and more people are speaking out in favor of the UK leaving the EU and becoming self-governing. While there are compelling arguments for and against, one could still argue that the argument against...... middle of paper ... laws that have not been passed by our national parliament but which will nevertheless still replace our laws which go through democratic processes. It could also be argued that the UK has somewhat separated itself from the EU by choosing not to adopt the single currency. Other countries in particular must think that we only have one foot in and one foot out or that the UK is just choosing. At this point, it's too late to fully commit, so it's surely not the right thing to do to leave completely. After all, the UK is quite capable of fending for itself. It is ridiculous to pretend that the UK is alone. Firstly, because other European countries are doing it, secondly, because the UK is able to succeed on its own, and thirdly, because becoming a non-member of the UK would actually give us the freedom to make choices and act independently on an international scale..