European Community vs. European Union

Attribute	European Community	European Union
Formation	1957	1993
Membership	6 founding members	27 member states
Primary Goal	Economic integration	Political and economic integration
Currency	No common currency	Euro
Decision-making	Consensus-based	Majority voting system

Introduction

The European Community and the European Union are two intergovernmental organizations that have played a significant role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe. While the European Community was the precursor to the European Union, there are several key differences between the two entities that are worth exploring.

History

The European Community was established in 1957 through the signing of the Treaty of Rome by six founding member states: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. The primary goal of the European Community was to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states. Over time, the European Community evolved into the European Union with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.

The European Union, on the other hand, was officially formed in 1993 with the implementation of the Maastricht Treaty. The European Union expanded upon the goals of the European Community by not only focusing on economic cooperation but also on political integration and cooperation in areas such as foreign policy, security, and justice.

Membership

One of the key differences between the European Community and the European Union is the membership criteria. The European Community had a more limited membership, with only a select number of European countries being eligible to join. In contrast, the European Union has a more inclusive membership policy, with 27 member states currently part of the organization.

Another difference in membership between the European Community and the European Union is the criteria for joining. The European Community required member states to meet certain economic criteria, such as having a stable economy and adhering to certain trade regulations. The European Union, on the other hand, has a more stringent set of criteria, known as the Copenhagen criteria, which include requirements related to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and a functioning market economy.

Decision-Making Process

The decision-making process within the European Community and the European Union also differs. In the European Community, decisions were made through a process of consensus among member states, with each country having an equal say in the decision-making process. The European Union, on the other hand, operates on a system of qualified majority voting, where decisions are made based on the majority vote of member states weighted by their population size.

Furthermore, the European Union has a more complex decision-making process due to the involvement of various institutions, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council. This multi-level governance structure allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to decision-making within the European Union.

Policy Areas

Both the European Community and the European Union have focused on a wide range of policy areas, including trade, agriculture, competition, and regional development. However, the European Union has expanded its policy scope to include areas such as environmental protection, energy, and immigration, which were not as prominent within the European Community.

Additionally, the European Union has developed a common foreign and security policy, as well as a common currency, the euro, which were not part of the original goals of the European Community. These additions have further solidified the European Union as a comprehensive political and economic union.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the European Community and the European Union share a common history and goal of promoting economic cooperation and integration in Europe, there are several key differences between the two entities. From membership criteria to decision-making processes to policy areas, the European Union has evolved to become a more comprehensive and inclusive organization compared to its predecessor, the European Community.