The European Community (EC) emerged as a pivotal economic association formed by six forward-looking European nations in 1957. Consisting of three essential communities, it was the predecessor that eventually gave rise to the European Union (EU) in 1993. Governed through a unified approach on policies and regulation, the European Community greatly impacted the interplay of member states.
The core objective of the European Community was to introduce a common trade policy aimed at eradicating trade barriers, thus uplifting the economic landscape of the entire region. Leaders, in the wake of World War II’s lingering grievances, also sought deep integration and cooperation to stave off future conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Significance: The EC was founded in 1957 to foster trade unity and reduce post-WWII tensions.
- Constituent Organizations: Encompassed three major economic entities—the European Economic Community (EEC), European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and the European Atomic Energy Community.
- Founding Members: Originated with six nations: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
- Emergence of the EU: Transitioned to the European Union with the enactment of the Maastricht Treaty in 1993.
Developing Unity: Understanding the European Community (EC)
Born from the ashes of World War II, the European Community symbolized a hope for a more united Europe that would eschew internecine conflicts. The EC’s initial composition was of Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The unifying force of three interlocked organizations ensured fair policies across these nations.
The European Economic Community (EEC)
Birth date: 1957 through the Treaty of Rome, the European Economic Community—or the Common Market—strived to consolidate the European economies to mitigate risks of conflict particularly between France and Germany. Removing trade barriers was central, compelling member states to navigate political cooperation and conflict resolution peacefully. In 1962, unified agricultural policies protected local farmers from the disruptive impact of agricultural imports.
The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
The ECSC was established with a groundbreaking agenda to coordinate manufacturing standards across member states. It dismantled trade barriers concerning coal, steel, scrap iron, and related commodities. With tenancy in pricing and quota governance, it imposed fines on transgressors. In the 1970s, its focus shifted, striving to curb excess production in response to Japan’s influx of inexpensive steel to International markets.
The European Atomic Energy Community
Known as Euratom, founded in 1958, this entity sought to harmonize member states concerning nuclear trade, emphasizing peaceful atomic energy collaboration. Bypassing military usage, it concentrated on trade facilitation and safety protocol standardization.
Transition to the European Union
On entering force in 1993, the Maastricht Treaty transformed the European Community into the European Union. Today, 27 nations, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and more, embrace this union. Following the historic Brexit vote on June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom ceased being an EU member as of January 31, 2020.
The European Community’s legacy underscores the holistic achievements of economic cooperation, ultimately sculpting a vast landscape of peace and shared prosperity that pervades modern Europe.
Related Terms: European Union, Maastricht Treaty, Trade Barriers, World War II, Economic Integration.
References
- European Central Bank. “Five Things You Need to Know About the Maastricht Treaty”.
- European Union. “The History of the European Union - 1957.”
- European Parliament. “Treaty of Rome (EEC)”.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Common Agricultural Policy”.
- European Parliament. “Euratom Treaty”.
- European Union. “Countries”.
- Gov.UK. “EU Referendum”.
