The Seventies:

Six referendums

The European Community's first period of expansion occured in the Seventies, when the UK (1975), Denmark (1972) and Ireland (1972) joined following referendums in those countries. The Norwegians voted against accession (1972).

The accession of the three new states was confirmed by a referendum in France(1972). This was the only example of an enlargement that was confirmed by a plebiscite.

Outside the EC the Swiss (1972) electorate voted in favour of a treaty enabling free trade with the EC.