European Economic Community

The European Economic Community was the predecessor of the European Union. It existed from 1957 to 1992, when the Treaty of Maastricht led to more cooperation between the countries of the European Union.

European Economic Community Media

• Anthem of Europe (US Navy instrumental short version)

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  French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed British membership, held back the development of Parliament's powers and was at the centre of the 'empty chair crisis' of 1965.

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  Enlargement, 1957 to 2013     Community enlargement     Since 1995

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       Founding members of EEC     Later members of EEC

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  The High Authority had more executive powers than the Commission which replaced it.

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  President Jacques Delors, the last EEC Commission President

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  The European Parliament held its first elections in 1979, slowly gaining more influence over Community decision making.