What were Winston Churchill's views on European integration and the European Union?

Winston Churchill had mixed views on European integration and the European Union. On one hand, he was a strong advocate for European unity and cooperation. In a speech delivered in 1946, he called for the creation of a "United States of Europe" to prevent future conflicts and promote peace on the continent. He believed that a united Europe would be a powerful force in the world and could help maintain stability and prosperity.

However, Churchill also had reservations about the specific form of European integration that was taking shape in the post-war period. He was concerned about the potential loss of national sovereignty and the erosion of British independence. He famously said, "We are with Europe, but not of it. We are linked, but not compromised. We are interested and associated, but not absorbed."

Churchill's views on European integration were shaped by his belief in the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States and the British Commonwealth. He saw these relationships as crucial for Britain's global influence and security. Therefore, while he supported European cooperation, he was cautious about any arrangement that could undermine Britain's special relationship with these other entities.

It is important to note that Churchill's views on European integration evolved over time, and he did not live to see the establishment of the European Union. His vision of a united Europe was more focused on political and strategic cooperation rather than the economic integration that the EU represents today.