See the three countries who have always refused to join the European Union and why

There are three key European countries who have toyed with, but ultimately, refused to join the EU.

Of the 51 countries in Europe and five territories, only 27 are EU member states.

Some want to join and have yet to be allowed, but there are three that have snubbed full membership over several years.

Here are the three countries:

1. Norway

Norway fears EU meddling its is important fishing and fossil fuel industries.

In 1962 it attempted to join EU predecessor the European Economic Community, but it rested on the UK getting in, which was refused.

Norway held a referendum about joining in 1972, and the public voted against it.

A further one was held in 1994 and the public also said no, although it was a narrower margin.

According to EU Made Simple, Norway is reticent to join as it may be forced to follow the EU Community Fishing Policy, that would allow other member states to fish in its waters, and may limit the number of catches its fishermen and women and make.

Norway would also be concerned about losing full autonomy over its vase reserve of oil and natural gas.

There are also concern about giving up parts of its national sovereignty.

2. Iceland 

In the case of Iceland, which, like the UK, is not on the Continent, it has similar fears about the impact on its fishing industry and losing aspects of its national sovereignty and its own currency.

However, in 2009, after the international financial crash, Iceland looked to join the EU, thinking it may lead to more economic stability.

But, with a change of government in 2013, the application was stalled and has not been pursued since.

The public mood is shifting back to possible joining again though since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

3. Switzerland 

There are no concerns about fishing rights in landlocked Switzerland, so that is not one of its reasons for not wishing to join the EU.

It is more concerned about autonomy, neutrality and financial meddling due to its role in international banking.

The Swiss people also have limited interest in joining the EU, according to the results of a 2018 survey.

In the early 1990s the Government took steps to join the European Economic Area, a stepping stone to EU membership, but in a subsequent referendum in 1992, the public rejected it and the application was scrapped.

In the 2018 survey only three percent of people considered there was even a possibility of joining the EU.

The main issues are the country likes to keep a neutral status and many of its big decisions are made by public referendums, which would mean problems would be crated if some power was given to the EU.

It also does not want the EU interfering in its global banking sector.

Switzerland, instead, continues to cooperate with the EU through a series of bilateral trade and other agreements.