Referendums related to the European Union by 51.9% to leave the European Union. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, voted to leave the EC in a referendum in 1982 by 53% of voters. In 1972, four countries held referendums on the subject of the 1973 enlargement of the European Communities. Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom were admitted as members of the EC, acceding on 1 January 1973. Two referendums were held in EU countries to permit them to ratify the Single European Act. In 1994, four countries, and one dependency, held referendums on membership of the EU, resulting in the 1995 enlargement of the European
Greenland a tight fiscal policy since the late 1980s, which has helped create surpluses in the public budget and low inflation. Since 1990, Greenland has registered a foreign-trade deficit following the closure of the last remaining lead and zinc mine that year. More recently, new sources of ruby in Greenland have been discovered, promising to bring new industry and a new export from the country. (See Gemstone industry in Greenland). Air transportation exists both within Greenland and between the island and other nations. There is also scheduled boat traffic, but the long distances lead to long travel times and low frequency.