Today is the day the British go to the polls to decide whether we should continue as a member of the European Union, or whether to invoke article 50 and start the process of leaving?
The fledgling European Union came into being in 1951, as a commitment to pool coal and steel resources between six countries, which then grew, in 1957, into the EEC, the European Economic Community.
The union continued to grow and expand through the fifties and sixties, with Britain formally applying to join (the EEC) in 1961, which was rejected, under doubts particularly from the French as to our commitment.
In 1967, the three Communities, (The EEC, ECSC and Euratom) merge, and the UK re-applies to join.
In 1973 the UK finally joins the European Communities.
In 1978 the European Council established the ERM, Exchange Rate Mechanism, as a virtual European Currency (the ECU), giving members a central exchange rate against the ECU. The UK doesn’t join.
In 1985 the treaty of Rome is amended and plans are laid to draw up a ‘Single European Act’ to revitalise integration.
In 1986 the Single European Act comes into force, with the aim of creating a single market (The European Union we know today) by 1991.
1991 The Maastricht Treaty is signed, coming into force in 1993.
In 1992, as a consequence of Germany’s high interest rates, the ERM struggles, and, with help from the collapse of the US Dollar, Britain is forced to remove itself from the ERM, and other countries come close to monetary collapse.
In 1995, the Schengen agreement begins to come into force, opening borders and enabling the free movement of people. The UK and Ireland opt out.
In 1997, the Amsterdam agreement expands the powers of the European Parliament, and lays the groundwork for a common Foreign and Security policy.
In 2001, the Treaty of Nice is signed, which opens the way for eastwards expansion of the European Union.
On the first of January, 2002, the first coins and notes of the Euro enter circulation in the countries that have signed up to the single currency.
In 2004, no less than ten countries, predominantly from Eastern Europe, are welcomed into the membership of the Union, and a new Constitution is signed.
Whether we stay, or leave, Masterflex Technical Hoses will remain part of a global group of companies, trading amongst ourselves, and with customers from all around the world, and the intricacies of the EU vote will make little difference to our commitment to bringing you the exact hose for your needs, whether that is HVAC, High Temperature Hose, or Weld Fume Extraction.
For more information on any of our products, or to discuss your requirements, please do get in touch.
Masterflex Technical Hoses Limited
Units G & H, Prince of Wales Business Park,
Vulcan Street, Oldham, OL1 4ER
Tel: 0161 626 8066 Fax: 0161 626 9066
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Email: marketing@masterflex-uk.com or visit masterflex-uk.com
Masterflex Technical Hoses Ltd 