European Communities

Definition

The European Communities (EC) refer to a series of economic and political agreements that were established to foster integration among European nations, initially formed by the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957. The EC aimed to create a common market and promote economic cooperation, which later paved the way for the development of the European Union (EU) and extended integration in areas like social policy and foreign affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Communities were established with the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957, which created the European Economic Community (EEC), alongside the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
2. The primary goal of the EC was to promote economic integration among member states, facilitating trade and investment through reduced tariffs and common regulations.
3. The EC's structure included key institutions like the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Court of Justice, which played vital roles in decision-making and enforcing community law.
4. By the late 1980s, the success of the EC led to discussions on further political integration, culminating in the Maastricht Treaty, which expanded cooperation beyond economics into areas like foreign policy and security.
5. The EC ultimately laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Euro as a common currency and enhanced collaboration in various sectors among EU member states.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the European Communities influence economic integration in Europe?
  • The formation of the European Communities significantly influenced economic integration by establishing a framework for cooperation among member states. The EEC promoted trade through reduced tariffs and a common market, leading to increased economic interdependence. This foundational work not only boosted economies but also encouraged further political integration, setting the stage for future developments like the EU.
• Evaluate the key provisions of the Maastricht Treaty that emerged from the negotiations surrounding the European Communities.
  • The Maastricht Treaty introduced several key provisions that marked a pivotal shift for the European Communities. It established the European Union, encompassing not only economic but also political dimensions, such as a common foreign policy and security cooperation. Additionally, it laid out plans for monetary union, leading to the creation of a single currency, the Euro. These provisions represented a significant deepening of integration beyond what was previously envisioned within the European Communities.
• Assess how the achievements of the European Communities set a precedent for contemporary challenges faced by the European Union today.
  • The achievements of the European Communities established foundational principles of collaboration that continue to resonate within contemporary challenges faced by the EU. The emphasis on economic integration has proven beneficial but has also raised issues regarding sovereignty and economic disparity among member states. As nations navigate crises such as migration and financial instability, they must balance national interests with collective goals—reflecting tensions that have their roots in early community agreements while striving for unity amid diversity.

Related terms

European Union:

A political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe, which evolved from the European Communities and now has its own institutions and policies.

Maastricht Treaty:

A treaty signed in 1991 that established the European Union and set out the framework for deeper integration among member states, including monetary union and enhanced cooperation in various policy areas.

Common Market:

An economic arrangement allowing for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member states, a core objective of the European Communities.