Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Contrary to what the question might imply, there is no historical evidence that Charles de Gaulle ever wanted the United Kingdom to join the European Economic Community (EEC). In fact, the French President is infamous for vetoing British membership not once, but twice—in 1963 and again in 1967.
De Gaulle's opposition stemmed from deep-seated concerns about British sovereignty and the "special relationship" with the United States. He believed the UK's economic structure, Commonwealth ties, and Atlanticist foreign policy were fundamentally incompatible with the continental European project he envisioned. He famously argued that Britain would act as a "Trojan horse" for American influence within the Community.
It was only after de Gaulle left office in 1969 that the path cleared for British accession. Under Prime Minister Edward Heath, the UK finally joined the EEC on January 1, 1973, alongside Denmark and Ireland.