UK membership of the EFTA

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), established in 1960, is a regional trade organization aimed at promoting free trade and economic integration among its member states outside the European Union (EU). Founded by seven countries as an alternative to the then-European Economic Community (EEC), EFTA's membership has changed over the years, with several members subsequently joining the EU. The association facilitates trade relations between its members and with other countries through a network of free trade agreements. Notably, while EFTA promotes economic cooperation and trade liberalization, it doesn't entail political integration or a common external tariff, distinguishing it from the EU.