European Communities Act 1972

2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the European Communities Act, which received Royal Assent on 17 October 1972.

This Act resulted in the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community, which had been established in 1958 by the Treaty of Rome. Following two unsuccessful applications for membership in 1961 and 1967, Britain officially became a member of the EEC on 1 January 1973.