There are three key European international locations who’ve toyed with, however in the end, refused to affix the EU.
Of the 51 international locations in Europe and 5 territories, solely 27 are EU member states.
Some need to be a part of and have but to be allowed, however there are three which have snubbed full membership over a number of years.
Norway fears EU meddling its is necessary fishing and fossil gas industries.
In 1962 it tried to affix EU predecessor the European Financial Group, but it surely rested on the UK getting in, which was refused.
Norway held a referendum about becoming a member of in 1972, and the general public voted towards it.
An additional one was held in 1994 and the general public additionally stated no, though it was a narrower margin.
In response to EU Made Easy, Norway is reticent to affix as it might be compelled to comply with the EU Group Fishing Coverage, that will enable different member states to fish in its waters, and should restrict the variety of catches its fishermen and girls and make.
Norway would even be involved about dropping full autonomy over its vase reserve of oil and pure fuel.
There are additionally concern about giving up elements of its nationwide sovereignty.
Within the case of Iceland, which, just like the UK, isn’t on the Continent, it has related fears concerning the affect on its fishing business and dropping points of its nationwide sovereignty and its personal forex.
Nevertheless, in 2009, after the worldwide monetary crash, Iceland seemed to affix the EU, pondering it might result in extra financial stability.
ments.
However, with a change of presidency in 2013, the appliance was stalled and has not been pursued since.
The general public temper is shifting again to doable becoming a member of once more although since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
There are not any considerations about fishing rights in landlocked Switzerland, so that’s not one in every of its causes for not wishing to affix the EU.
It’s extra involved about autonomy, neutrality and monetary meddling resulting from its position in worldwide banking.
The Swiss folks even have restricted curiosity in becoming a member of the EU, based on the outcomes of a 2018 survey.
Within the early Nineteen Nineties the Authorities took steps to affix the European Financial Space, a stepping stone to EU membership, however in a subsequent referendum in 1992, the general public rejected it and the appliance was scrapped.
Within the 2018 survey solely three p.c of individuals thought of there was even a risk of becoming a member of the EU.
The primary points are the nation likes to maintain a impartial standing and plenty of of its large selections are made by public referendums, which might imply issues can be crated if some energy was given to the EU.
It additionally doesn’t need the EU interfering in its world banking sector.
Switzerland, as an alternative, continues to cooperate with the EU by means of a collection of bilateral commerce and different agreements.