Referendums on European issues
A useful tool with growing importance
In the history of the European Union, forty-one referendums have been held across Europe. Thirty were held in member states of the European Community or its successor, the European Union.
In thirty-two cases the citizens voted in favour of an increased European integration, and on nine occasions more sceptical attitudes prevailed.
In twenty seven referendums citizens were consulted on the question of whether to join the EC/EU, and in eleven cases issues of further integration were decided. Three referendums were held on other more exceptional topics (France in 1972, Greenland in 1982, and Italy in 1989).
On average, two-thirds of the electorates have participated in these referendums, and consequently these decisions carry considerable legitimacy.
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