LONDON (AFP) - Britain and the European Union, which on Thursday (Dec 24) announced a post-Brexit trade deal, have had an often troubled history.

Twice turned away

On Aug 9, 1961, Britain formally applies to join what was then called the European Economic Community (EEC).

But France's president Charles de Gaulle vetoes the application in 1963 and shuts the door again in 1967.

Britain finally enters the EEC on Jan 1, 1973, at the same time as Ireland and Denmark, after de Gaulle has left office.

In a referendum called by the new Labour government on whether to remain in the EEC on June 5, 1975, more than 67 per cent of Britons vote "Yes".

Thatcher versus Europe

On Nov 30, 1979 new Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher demands a rebate on Britain's contribution to the European budget, reportedly saying: "I want my money back." She gets her way in 1984.

Thatcher gives a speech in the Belgian city of Bruges on Sept 20, 1988, that becomes a rallying cry among eurosceptics for less European political integration.

British opt-outs

The Maastricht Treaty in 1992 ushers in a new era of political and economic integration. Britain secures an opt-out from some provisions, including joining a planned single currency.

After infighting over Europe in his governing Conservative Party, prime minister John Major survives a confidence vote on July 23, 1993.

Britain votes to leave

In a June 23, 2016 referendum organised after the Conservatives come to power in 2015, Britain votes by 52 per cent to 48 per cent to quit the EU. Prime minister David Cameron, who had campaigned to remain, resigns.

The following year Cameron's successor, Theresa May, starts the two-year countdown to Britain leaving the bloc with a formal letter of notice to EU president Donald Tusk.

Britain and the EU reach agreement on a divorce deal in November 2018.

Impasse

Britain's lower house of parliament votes against the deal on Jan 15, 2019, the first of three times it will do so.

Brexit is then delayed twice, until Halloween, Oct 31.

Leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson replaces May as prime minister on July 24, vowing to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal.

New deal, new delay

With the clock ticking, on Oct 17 European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and Johnson announce agreement on a new draft Brexit accord.

The British parliament delays its vote on the text, forcing Johnson to ask Brussels for a new Brexit postponement. It is set for Jan 31, 2020.

At a snap election on Dec 12, Johnson's Conservatives secure a large parliamentary majority, ensuring easy passage for his divorce deal.

Brexit a reality, but...

On Jan 31, 2020, Brexit eventually happens.

Crucial talks on future ties and trade with the bloc then start in March, but break deadline after deadline as negotiators try to avert a no-deal Brexit on Dec 31.

The two sides finally announce a deal on Dec 24.