european economic community
C1Formal, Historical, Academic, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A major regional economic organization and predecessor of the European Union, created to foster economic integration among its member states.
A historical international organization (1957–1993) established by the Treaty of Rome, which aimed to create a common market, eliminate tariffs, and coordinate policies among Western European countries. It formed one of the three pillars of the European Communities before being absorbed into the EU framework.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to a historical entity. Use of the full term often indicates a historical context. The acronym 'EEC' is common, but 'Common Market' was a widespread informal synonym. Distinguish from the modern 'European Union' (EU).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically. However, in UK historical/political discourse, references to the EEC are more frequent due to the UK's accession in 1973 and subsequent debates (e.g., '1975 EEC referendum').
Connotations
In UK discourse, can carry connotations of the political debates surrounding membership and sovereignty. In broader international discourse, it is a neutral historical term.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary everyday language, except in historical, political, or economic contexts. Higher frequency in UK media and academia when discussing post-WWII European history.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The European Economic Community + VERB (was founded, expanded, negotiated)Member of the European Economic CommunityPolicies of the European Economic CommunityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The project of European integration (broader context)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in historical business case studies about market integration and trade barriers.
Academic
Central term in history, political science, and European studies papers.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by older generations recalling events like the 1975 UK referendum.
Technical
Used in legal and treaty texts from the 1957-1993 period.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The UK did not initially join the EEC.
- Several countries sought to accede to the European Economic Community.
American English
- The US monitored the development of the European Economic Community.
- Greece was admitted to the EEC in 1981.
adverb
British English
- The treaty was negotiated EEC-wide.
- Goods could move EEC-freely after tariffs were removed.
American English
- The policy was coordinated EEC-wide.
- They traded EEC-freely under the common market.
adjective
British English
- EEC regulations shaped UK agriculture.
- The EEC membership debate was fierce.
American English
- EEC trade policy was a topic of study.
- An EEC directive was implemented.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The European Economic Community was formed in 1957.
- It was also called the Common Market.
- The main goal of the European Economic Community was to create a common market.
- France and Germany were founding members of the EEC.
- Prior to the Maastricht Treaty, the European Economic Community was the principal organization for economic cooperation in Western Europe.
- The UK's referendum on EEC membership in 1975 resulted in a vote to remain.
- The supranational institutions of the European Economic Community, such as the Commission, paved the way for deeper political integration.
- Critics argued that the EEC's Common Agricultural Policy led to market distortions and budget inefficiencies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the three 'E's: EUROPEAN ECONOMIC Community. It was all about the ECONOMY in EUROPE, forming a COMMUNITY.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/BUILDING ("the foundation of the modern EU"), FAMILY ("the original six members").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'Европейское экономическое сообщество' unless referring specifically to the EEC (1957-1993). Do not confuse with the modern 'Европейский союз' (EU). The Russian acronym 'ЕЭС' is historically correct.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'European Economic Community' to refer to the present-day EU. Using the wrong dates (post-1993).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of the European Economic Community (EEC)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The EEC (1957-1993) was a predecessor and a major component of the European Communities. It was renamed the European Community (EC) in 1993 and, along with other pillars, formed the basis of the newly created European Union (EU).
It did not 'end' abruptly but was transformed. The Maastricht Treaty (signed 1992, effective 1993) renamed it the 'European Community' (EC) and placed it within the new three-pillar structure of the European Union.
It was a very common informal name for the EEC, highlighting its core purpose of eliminating internal trade barriers and creating a single market for goods, services, capital, and labour.
Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. They are often referred to as 'the Inner Six'.