Britain and the EU: Timeline of a Troubled Marriage

Even before Brexit, Britain and the European Union had an often troubled history.

- Twice turned away -

On August 9, 1961, Britain formally applies to join what was then called the European Economic Community (EEC).

But France's president Charles de Gaulle vetoes the application in 1963, shutting the door again in 1967.

Britain finally enters the EEC on January 1, 1973, at the same time as Ireland and Denmark, after de Gaulle has left office.

In a referendum called by the new Labour government on whether to remain in the EEC on June 5, 1975, more than 67 percent of Britons vote "Yes".

- Thatcher versus Europe -

On November 30, 1979, new Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher demands a rebate on Britain's contribution to the European budget, reportedly saying: "I want my money back." She gets her way in 1984.

Thatcher gives a speech in the Belgian city of Bruges on September 20, 1988, that becomes a rallying cry among eurosceptics for less European political integration.

- British opt-outs -

The Maastricht Treaty in 1992 ushers in a new era of political and economic integration. Britain secures an opt-out from some provisions, including joining a planned single currency.

After infighting over Europe in his governing Conservative Party, prime minister John Major survives a confidence vote on July 23, 1993.

- UK votes to leave -

In a June 23, 2016, referendum organised after the Conservatives come to power in 2015, Britain votes by 52 percent to 48 percent to quit the EU. Prime minister David Cameron, who had campaigned to remain, resigns.

The following year Cameron's successor, Theresa May, starts the two-year countdown to Britain leaving the bloc with a formal letter of notice to EU president Donald Tusk. 

Britain and the EU reach agreement on a divorce deal in November 2018.

- Impasse -

Britain's lower house of parliament votes against the deal on January 15, 2019, the first of three times it will do so.

Brexit is delayed to March 29, then to June 30, then to October 31.

Leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson replaces May as prime minister on July 24, vowing to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal.

- New deal, new delay -

With the clock ticking, on October 17 European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Johnson announce agreement on a new draft Brexit accord.

The British parliament delays its vote on the text, forcing Johnson to ask Brussels for a new Brexit postponement. It is set for January 31, 2020.

At a snap election in December 2019, Johnson's Conservatives secure a large parliamentary majority, ensuring easy passage for his divorce deal.

- Brexit a reality, but... -

On January 31, 2020, Brexit eventually happens. 

Crucial talks on future ties and trade with the bloc then start in March, but break deadline after deadline as negotiators try to avert a no-deal Brexit on December 31.

The two sides finally announce a deal on December 24 and Britain leaves the European customs union and single market at 2300 GMT on December 31.