European Economic Community (EEC)

The European Economic Community (EEC) was established in 1957 by six countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. Its main goal was to create a common market that would allow for free trade and economic cooperation among its member states. This included reducing tariffs and ensuring the free movement of goods, services, workers, and capital. Over time, the EEC expanded and laid the groundwork for the European Union (EU), which now includes many more countries and encompasses broader political and social goals alongside economic cooperation.