What was the goal of the European economic Community?

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2. Définitions, méthodes et qualité
3. Définitions
4. European Economic Community / EEC

Created in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome, the European Economic Community pursued the European construction efforts undertaken by the European Coal and Steel Community [ECSC]. The EEC's goals included economic cooperation, the gradual abolition of customs barriers between member countries and the introduction of common customs tariffs with other countries. Having 6 countries in 1957 [France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg], the EEC expanded in 1973 with the entrance of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark; then in 1981 with that of Greece; and in 1986 with the entrance of Spain and Portugal.
In 1990, Germany was unified. For the EEC, this did not mean a new expansion, but an extension of the FRG. No membership procedure was necessary, but institutional modifications took the new influence of Germany into account. The EEC remained in place until 1 January 1993, with the application of the Maastricht Treaty [stipulating a single currency and European citizenship] : it then gave way to the European Union [EU].

The denomination "European Community" replaces "European Economic Community" since January 1st, 1993 [by the treaty of Maastricht in 1992].

The Treaty of Rome, or Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, was signed on 25 March 1957 and entered into force on 1 January 1958. It set up the European Economic Community [EEC], bringing together Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to work together towards integration and economic growth through trade, establishing a common market based on the free movement of goods, people, services, and capital. 

The goal of the EEC was to transform the conditions of trade and production on the territory of its 6 member states, but also to serve as a step towards the closer political unification of Europe.  The treaty created a common market, in which the signatory countries agreed to gradually align their economic policies. It created a single economic area with free competition between companies and broadly prohibited restrictive agreements and government subsidies which could affect trade between the 6 countries. The 6 members’ overseas countries and territories were also included in these arrangements in order to promote their economic and social development. The customs union that was created abolished quotas and customs duties between its 6 signatories and established a common external tariff on imports from outside the EEC. 

Joint policies were adopted among the member countries: common agricultural policy, common trade policy and transport policy. The treaty allowed the creation of other joint policies in the future, should the need arise. 

The Treaty of Rome established institutions to allow member states to work both for their national interests and for a common European goal: the Council of Ministers, the Commission, the Parliamentary Assembly [later to become the European Parliament] and the Court of Justice.

The Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community [Euratom] was signed together with the Treaty of Rome. 

The European Union [EU] is a unique institution founded in the aftermath of World War II. It has since grown into one of the most powerful economies in the world. The European Union started with only six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.   

The organisation expanded from western Europe to central and eastern Europe at the beginning of the 21st century. Currently, nineteen [19] more countries have been added: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Treaties after treaties, the EU has now 27 member countries, mainly working together to maintain peace.  

What began as a union focused solely on economic stability has since evolved to policy creation and implementation, touching upon the climate, environment and health, justice, security, migration, and eventually, the formation of the Schengen Area. In addition to its economic benefits, membership in the EU also provides citizens with freedoms such as free movement within member countries. Despite recent challenges, the EU remains an important force for peace and prosperity in Europe and worldwide.  

With this overview of the European Union, let us understand its functions, goals, and values.

The Main Purpose of the European Union 

With the above overview, let us understand the main purpose of the European Union by looking at its functions, goals, and values. 

What are the goals of the European Union? 

The European Union has grown from an economy-only organisation to one with a more holistic mission. Article 3 of the Lisbon Treaty fully encapsulates the organisation’s goals. 

• Promote peace and well-being among the citizens     
• Offer freedom, security and justice without internal borders     
• Work towards the sustainable development of Europe while promoting equality and social justice     
• Establish an economic union with Euro as the currency     
• Contribute to the sustainable development, peace, and security of the planet    

The EU also aims to combat social exclusion and discrimination, respecting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Promoting scientific and technological progress in the organisation is also a priority, directly influencing the region’s sustainable development.   

For the years 2019-2024, the European Council has laid down a new strategic agenda, highlighting the following four priorities:  

• Protecting citizens and freedoms  
• Developing a strong and vibrant economic base  
• Building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe  
• Promoting European interests and values on the global stage 
  

What are the values of the European Union?

All 27-member states hold inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity and non-discrimination as crucial pillars of the European Union.     

• Human Dignity – Inviolable and the basis of fundamental rights, human dignity must be respected and protected.  
• Freedom - Freedom of movement allows citizens to freely move and reside in any EU country. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights protects freedoms such as freedom of thought, religion, expression and information.     
• Democracy - The EU is built upon the model of representative democracy, which means that all EU members enjoy political rights. Such political rights include voting in elections to the European Parliament, contesting as a candidate, and voting in their residence country or country of origin.     
• Equality - The principle of equality between men and women is central in all areas of European policies. The principle of equal pay became part of the Treaty of Rome in 1957. Although inequality has not been entirely eradicated, the EU has made significant bounds. 
• Rule of Law - It is the foundation of the EU. Every EU process is voluntarily done. A separate judiciary independently upholds law and justice. The European Court of Justice has final jurisdiction, which has to be respected by all member states.    
• Human Rights - Protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, these comprise the right to be free from discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. Rights to protect personal data and access to justice are also covered.
  

What are the benefits of the European Union? 

From peace and security to global power, the EU gives benefits to improving people’s daily lives. European citizens can travel and work freely throughout the European Union, strengthening their ties. European institutions offer a platform for European citizens to voice their opinions and debate policies that affect them.   

Peace and Security   

The EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. It is the most successful peace project in human history. European citizens are aware of the EU’s role in bringing peace between European countries and between European countries and their neighbours.  

Single Market   

Citizens can live or work in any EU country, move their money, freely sell goods, and provide services on the same basis. All these are possible in the world’s most highly developed and open marketplace: the single market.    

High food and environmental standards   

The food and environment in the EU meet the world’s highest quality standards. Thanks to the member countries’ cooperation, companies or institutions are deterred from selling contaminated food or polluting any areas.  

Business and Consumer benefits   

Businesses are supported and trained. Consumers in the EU are assured that they can get refunds if they return products. This refund policy is applicable to delayed or cancelled flights. Goods in the EU are also required to meet the world’s best quality and safety standards.   

Human Rights   

The EU aims to protect all minorities and vulnerable groups. No one is left behind in the organisation regardless of nationality, language group, gender, profession, culture, sexuality, or disability. Citizens are also protected against unfair treatment in the workplace.  

Global Power   

With the 27 member countries working together, there is much more voice than 27 nations acting separately. The EU promotes cooperation and collaboration among European countries and provides a shared identity for its member states. Hence, European states also find it much easier to cooperate in an organisation like the European Union.  

The European Union and the World  

The European Union remains an institution that continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Policies affecting European states serve as a model for other countries and regions that want coordination in their economic, social and political systems.  

The EU is the world’s largest trade block and the biggest exporter of manufactured goods and services. It is also the biggest import market for over 100 countries across the globe.  

The organisation also plays a significant role when it comes to diplomacy. It promotes security and prosperity, stability, fundamental freedoms, and democracy internationally. As the leading donor of humanitarian aid, the organisation is committed to providing help to man-made and natural disaster victims.  

The European Union’s influence has been felt in many areas of life. If this excites you and you would like to live in the EU, contact us, and we will provide you with the best options.  

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