By the treaty of Rome in 1957, the European Economic Community (E.E.C) came into existence. The treaty, however, contained provisions whereby countries with similar ideas might be admitted as members. At its beginning, the EEC had six members, which were West Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg. The failure of Britain’s initial effort to join E.E.C led to the formation of European Free Trade Association. However, in 1973, Britain alongside Ireland and Denmark became members of the E.E.C
Objectives of the European Economic Community (E.E.C)
- To foster peace and unity among the member nations
- To have a common tariff against the rest of the world
- To harmonize their economic policies
- To ensure economic development among the members
- Reduction of tariffs among the members in order to ensure free trade