The European Community, now called the European Union, is a collective of European nations that collaborate to facilitate the exchange of goods, currency, and individuals. Their aim is to further strengthen their unity in both economic and political aspects. Established in 1957, the European Union underwent a name change from the European Community in 1993.
The European Community, also known as the European Union (EU), is a coalition of European countries that collaborate to achieve economic and political integration. The primary objective of the EU is to remove obstacles to the unrestricted flow of capital, goods, and labor among its member states. Initially established as the European Economic Community (EEC) through the Treaty of Rome in 1957, it was later renamed the European Community (EC) and transformed into the European Union with the implementation of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union in November 1993. As an illustration, a French citizen can work in Germany without requiring a work permit due to both countries’ membership in the EU. This is made possible by the EU’s elimination of barriers to the free movement of labor among its member nations.
The European Community, also known as the European Economic Community (EEC), was a regional organisation that aimed to promote economic integration among its member states in Europe. It was established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
The European Community initially had six member states: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Over time, it expanded to include a total of 27 member states.
The European Community was one of the three pillars of the European Union, along with the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Police and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters. In 2009, the European Community ceased to exist as a legal entity, and its powers were transferred to the EU.
The main objectives of the European Community were to establish a common market, promote economic and social progress, and strengthen political cooperation among its member states.
The European Community had its own legal framework, which consisted of treaties, regulations, directives, and decisions. The primary treaty governing the European Community was the Treaty of Rome.
Yes, the European Community had its own court system, known as the Court of Justice of the European Communities. It was responsible for interpreting and applying European Community law.
Membership in the European Community provided various benefits, including access to a larger market, the ability to participate in decision-making processes, and the opportunity to benefit from economic and social integration.
Yes, member states had the ability to opt-out of certain policies or areas of cooperation within the European Community. This was known as a “derogation” or “opt-out” clause.
The European Community aimed to eliminate barriers to trade among its member states and establish a common market. This led to the creation of the European Single Market, which facilitated the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
The transformation of the European Community into the European Union was driven by the desire to deepen integration and expand cooperation beyond economic matters. The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, established the European Union and expanded its scope to include areas such as foreign policy and justice.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/european-community/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):European Community. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/european-community/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):European Community. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/european-community/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):European Community. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/european-community/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts