三欧共体的扩大及其在经济、政治一体化方面的成就欧共体的建立,有力地促进了成员国经济、贸易的发展,对欧洲其他非成员国有很大的吸引力。自成立以来,已经有过三次扩大。第一次扩大是吸收英国、爱尔兰和丹麦加入。英国加入共同体的过程十分曲折。共同体在创立之初,曾邀请英国加入,但遭到拒绝。英国一则自恃国力不弱,一则担心有损英美特殊关系。1957年英国曾提议建立一个包括六国在内的大自由贸易区,遭到六国反对后,遂联合瑞典、丹麦、瑞士、奥地利、挪威、葡萄牙组成一个七国“小自由贸易区”与六国抗衡。由于英国的经济实力日趋下降,七国毕竟不 The Enlargement of the Community and Its Achievements in Economic and Political Integration The establishment of the European Community has effectively promoted the economic and trade development of the member states and made it very attractive to other non-member states in Europe. Since its inception, there have been three enlargements. The first expansion is to absorb Britain, Ireland and Denmark to join. The process of Britain joining the community is very tortuous. Community at the beginning of its creation, had invited Britain to join, but was rejected. A British self-reliance on national strength is not weak, while a fears that it will undermine the special relationship between Britain and the United States. In 1957, Britain proposed the establishment of a large free trade zone consisting of six countries. After being opposed by the six countries, Britain joined hands with Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Norway and Portugal to form a “small free trade zone” with six State contend. Due to the declining economic strength of Britain, the seven countries do not, after all