European Community

European Community, organization of Western European nations formed to regulate trade, agriculture, labor, transportation, and industrial standards. The European Community was formed in 1967 by consolidating the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community (the Common Market), and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). Membership includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Tariffs on trade between members have been abolished. Legislation is proposed by the 17-member Commission to the Council of Ministers for approval. The European Parliament, whose 518 members have been elected directly by voters since 1979, advises both the Commission and the Council. The Court of Justice hears appeals from individuals as well as countries, making binding decisions regarding compliance with European Community rules. The European Community is the first pillar of the European Union.