Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A former name for the European Union (EU): The European Community (EC) was one of the three pillars of the European Union, primarily focused on economic integration, including a common market and customs union. It was established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957 and was a major precursor to the modern EU.

Usage

• The term "European Community" is used historically to refer to the economic entity that evolved into the European Union. It is often mentioned in historical, political, or economic contexts discussing European integration.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The United Kingdom joined the European Community in 1973.
  • The Maastricht Treaty transformed the European Community into the European Union.

Advanced Usage

• "EC legislation": Refers to laws and directives passed by the institutions of the European Community.
  • The new product standards were adopted under EC legislation.
• "EC member state": A country that was a member of the European Community.
  • As an EC member state, France benefited from the free movement of goods.

Variants and Related Words

• European Economic Community (EEC): The original name for the European Community, emphasizing its economic nature.
• European Union (EU): The current political and economic union that succeeded the European Community.
• ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community): A precursor organization to the EEC.

Synonyms

• Common Market: A historical synonym emphasizing the economic aspect.
• European Economic Community (EEC): The full original name.

Notes on Meaning

• The "European Community" was formally absorbed into the European Union framework by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. In contemporary usage, "European Union" is the correct term, while "European Community" is used for historical reference.

Noun

1. an international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members
   • he tried to take Britain into the Europen Union