The correct spelling of the term "European Community" is /ˌjʊərəpiːən kəˈmjuːnəti/. The word "European" is spelled with a "euro" sound followed by "pean." Meanwhile, "Community" is pronounced with a "kuh" sound followed by "myoo" sound and "nuh" sound. Together, the word is pronounced as "yoo-ruh-pee-uhn kuh-myoo-nuh-tee". This spelling is essential to ensure that the term is accurately conveyed, especially in formal documents and discussions.
The European Community refers to an international organization that existed from 1957 to 1993, which aimed to promote economic and political integration among its member countries in Europe. It was initially established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957 with six founding members: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Over the years, its membership expanded to include other European nations.
The European Community primarily focused on fostering economic cooperation among its member states. It aimed to create a common market, known as the European Economic Community (EEC), which facilitated the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people within its boundaries. This integration aimed to eliminate trade barriers and stimulate economic growth among the member nations.
Beyond economic integration, the European Community also worked towards closer political cooperation. The member countries sought to pursue common foreign policies, coordinate defense strategies, and develop common institutions to govern their interactions. The organization laid the foundation for the creation of political and monetary unions within Europe.
In 1993, the European Community transformed into the European Union (EU) through the Maastricht Treaty. The EU continued the work of the European Community while expanding its scope of cooperation to include a broader range of policy areas, such as justice, security, and the environment. Consequently, the European Community can be seen as a precursor to the modern-day European Union, playing a pivotal role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe.
The word "European Community" originated from the combination of the terms "European" and "Community".
"European" refers to anything related to Europe, which is derived from the Latin term "Europa". The term Europa has its roots in Greek mythology, where Europa was a Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus and taken to the island of Crete. Over time, the name Europa became associated with the continent as a whole.
"Community" comes from the Latin word "communitas", meaning "fellowship" or "shared in common". It refers to a group of people living in a particular area or having a common interest or goal.
The European Community, as a term, emerged in the mid-20th century to describe the integration and cooperation among European countries.