The European Community, also known as the EC, is an economic and political partnership comprised of various European nations. Originally established with six member countries, it has gradually expanded over the years. Today, the EC consists of a total of 27 member states. Let’s explore the countries that are part of this significant union.

List of European Community Member Countries

Here is a comprehensive list of the 27 countries that are part of the European Community:

  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Austria
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden

Historical Background of the European Community

The European Community, initially known as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established in 1951 by the Treaty of Paris. It aimed to prevent war between European nations by pooling their coal and steel resources. Over time, the ECSC evolved into broader economic integration and political cooperation, leading to the establishment of the current European Union (EU) and its precursor, the European Communities.

The European Community has played a crucial role in fostering peace, stability, and economic growth within its member states. It has led to the creation of a single market, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the member countries.

The Expansion of the European Community

The European Community began with six founding members: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It gradually expanded its membership to include more countries across Europe.

The first major addition to the EC came in 1973 when Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined. This was followed by Greece’s admission in 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986, and Austria, Finland, and Sweden in 1995.

Further expansion occurred in the early 2000s when several Central and Eastern European countries joined the European Community. These new members included Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The most recent additions were Bulgaria and Romania, who joined in 2007.

The United Kingdom’s Departure from the European Community

It is worth noting that the United Kingdom, one of the founding members, voted to leave the European Community in 2016 through a referendum commonly known as Brexit. After a transition period, the UK officially left the EC on January 31, 2020. Despite this departure, the European Community continues to thrive with the remaining 27 members.

In conclusion, the European Community comprises 27 diverse member countries that work together on economic and political integration. From its humble beginnings to the present, the EC has provided a framework for cooperation and mutual benefits among its members.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!