The U.K.'s “specialrelationship” withthe U.S. wasalso a concernforhim,
worryingthepartnershipwouldgetinthewayofbuilding a strongEurope.
Butin 1969 Franceelected a newpresidentandthe U.K. succeededinjoiningthegroupin 1973.
Butjusttwoyearsafterjoining, the U.K. held a referendumonwhetheritshouldremainintheEuropeanEconomicCommunity.
Backthen, 67% ofvotersfavoredcontinuedmembership.
Intheyearsthatfollowed, theEuropeanUniontransformedfrom a tradearrangementtomoreof a politicalalliance, givingBrusselsincreasinginfluenceoverotherareasofpolicy.