UK and Europe: Joined EEC in 1973, Left EU in 2020

The UK never “joined Europe”—it joined the European Economic Community (EEC) on 1 January 1973 (with Denmark, Ireland).

• EEC → European Community (1993) → European Union (EU) (Maastricht Treaty, 1993).
• UK was a member for 47 years.
• 23 June 2016: Referendum — 51.9% Leave.
• 31 January 2020: Formal withdrawal (Brexit).
• 1 January 2021: Transition ended; Trade and Cooperation Agreement in force.

Now: Third country. No single market, customs union, free movement. New borders, checks, visas for long stays.