History of the British-EU friendship in pictures

Britain was not included when the precursor to the European Union was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market, on January 1, 1973. On Thursday, Britain voted in a referendum to leave the European Union ending a four-decade long association.

June 25, 2016 12:56 IST

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In this January 6, 1973 file photo, from left, L-R: France's Jean Francois Deniau; Christopher Soames; Wilhelm Haferkamp of West Germany; and Patrick Hillery of Ireland at the first working session of the newly enlarged Common Market at the European Economic Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group, known at the time as the European Economic Community, or the Common Market. (Source: AP Photo)

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In this January 15, 1973 file photo, Solemn opening of the enlarged Common Market Minister Council at Brussels' Palais d'Egmont. From left, Members of the Commission: Henri Simonet, Belgium; Christopher Soames, England; M. Haferkamp, West Germany; and Common Market President Francois Xavier Ortoli. (Source: AP)

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In this January 15, 1973 file photo, a general view of the ceremony for the First Ministerial Meeting after the enlargement of the Common Market at the Palais D'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium. (Source: AP Photo)

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In this January 15, 1973 file photo, family photo of the enlarged European Economic Community foreign ministers and members at the opening meeting at the Palais D'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium. Front row L-R: British Foreign Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home; Dutch Foreign Minister Wilhelm Klaus Norbert Schmelzer; Mario Pedini of Italy; French Foreign Minister Maurice Schumann; Ivar Noergaard Foreign Minister for Denmark; Belgium's Pierre Harmel; Common Market President Francois-Xavier Ortoli; West German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel; Irish Foreign Minister Brian Lenihan; Gaston Thorn Foreign Minister of Luxembourg; and Secretary General of the Council Mr. Calmas. (Source: AP Photo)

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In this Oct. 19, 1972 file photo, a view of the opening session of a conference for members of the newly enlarged European Common Market. Leaders of Common Market countries attend summit meeting in Paris. Present at this meeting, the first of the newly expanded European organization, were chiefs of state of France, Great Britain, Italy, West Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Holland (Netherlands), Belgium and Luxembourg. Talks were being held at the International Conference Centre in Paris. (Source: AP photo)

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In this October 19, 1972 file photo, European leaders pose for a photograph, at the European Common Market summit conference, with French President Georges Pompidou fourth from right stands next to Britain's Prime Minister Edward Heath, third from right, at an Elysee Palace luncheon, in Paris. (Source: AP)