Relations with Europe As part of Europe, Britain has always been influenced by, and had an influence on, other European countries Culturally -there is a long common cultural heritage between many European countries Many languages derive from the same background; religions are shared and there has been much inter-marriage including within the Royal families With the decline of the Empire, and joining the European Union well over half the trade is now with the latter. See chart on page 280Relations with Europe As part of Europe, Britain has always been influenced by, and had an influence on, other European countries. ▪ Culturally – there is a long common cultural heritage between many European countries. Many languages derive from the same background; religions are shared and there has been much inter-marriage including within the Royal families. ▪ With the decline of the Empire, and joining the European Union, well over half the trade is now with the latter. See chart on page 280