EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

Abstract

This chapter describes the historical background and the development of European Economic Community (EEC). The conclusion of the treaty establishing the EEC on March 25, 1957 is a milestone in the postwar processes of European integration. The first important step was the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) on April 18, 1951. The EEC is by far the most important of the three Communities, and forms the real core of the integration process because its field of action covers virtually all sectors of the economy. Furthermore, the EEC serves as a yardstick for possible progress in integration. Most crucial questions have arisen from this Community, the other two being not much more than complements to the EEC. The EEC Treaty is in principle applicable to the whole territory of all member states, except Greece where certain transitional provisions apply. The organs of the EEC are identical with those of the ECSC and European Atomic Energy Community.