When the UK finally joined the EEC (now known as the European Union) in 1973, the majority of the nation was fully in favor as suggested by the referendum, however over time there has been debate about whether to join the European Union it really is the best thing for the UK. While it seemed like a good idea then, today the reasons to join no longer seem as good as they once were. Some argue that the United Kingdom would be better off no longer being a member of the European Union. It is known that after World War II, states began to move away from the tendencies of nationalism that had led to the conflict in the first place. In much of Europe, however, there is great support for federalism and great support for integration and interdependence. In 1952 the European Coal and Steel Community was created, followed by the creation of the European Economic Community in 1957. With the creation of allies and the signing of several treaties and agreements, Europe was definitely becoming a "federation". In 1973 Great Britain joined the EEC together with Denmark and Ireland. The European Union is then formally established by Maastricht in 1993 and gains its 28th member, Croatia, by July 2013. When a referendum on EU membership was held in the UK, the vote was two to one in favor. The benefits of EU membership were clear. The UK 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 its autonomy. While there are compelling arguments for and against, it could still be argued that the argument against... middle of paper... laws that have not been voted on in our national parliament but will nevertheless supersede our laws that go through democratic processes . It could also be argued that the UK has somehow separated itself from the EU by choosing not to adopt the single currency. Above all it must seem to other countries that we only have one foot in and one foot out or that the UK is simply choosing. At this point, it's too late to fully commit, so it's definitely not the right thing to do to walk away completely. After all, the UK is perfectly capable of standing on its own. It is ridiculous to claim that the UK is on its own. Firstly because other European countries are doing it, secondly because the UK is in a position to succeed on its own, and thirdly because becoming a non-member of the UK would effectively give us the freedom to make independent choices and move on an international scale..