Talk:European Economic Community

Nice move
See above —Preceding unsigned comment added by Vinny Burgoo (talk • contribs) 21:24, 13 July 2008 (UTC)

Queen Elizabeth endorsing the EC is notable
''Mr. President. In a celebrated speech at Zurich in 1946, Winston Churchill described the tragedy of Europe; he compared the richness and vitality of European achievement in culture, art and science with the succession of self-destructive conflicts which has beset our continent. Instead of being a force for civilization and tolerance in the world Europe and its rivalries have been too often the causes of war, and war on a world scale. Churchill drew a deceptively simple lesson, he sought to recreate the European family and provide it with a structure under which it could dwell in peace, in safety, and in freedom. As I look around me, in this evermore important parliament of Europe, I believe that members of the parliament, and all Europeans, can be proud of what has been achieved. We are all trying to preserve the rich diversity of European countries, because if that diversity is suppressed we shall weaken Europe not strengthen it. Decisions need to be taken as close to the citizen as is compatible with their success. But at the same time, we have to strengthen the ability of Europeans, to act on a European basis, where the nature of a problem, requires a European response. So the message from the history of Strasburg of this parliament, of the community, is surely a simple one Mr. President. We must insure that the friendship and mutual respect which we have built among ourselves should extend more widely throughout our continent, and enrich our relations with the wider world. It is a worthy ambition true to the conviction and example of the founding fathers of the community. Others on our continent, long established or newly emerged democracies, increasingly look towards the European community, we must not let them down. I began with a quotation from a speech by Winston Churchill. I shall close by quoting one of Sir Winston’s most distinguished predecessors Lord Salisbury. In 1888 in a speech in Wales, he said. We are a part of a Community of Europe and we must do our duty as such. 104 years on, I salute the wisdom of those words, may God grant the same wisdom to us, as we build together our European family.'' Stephen2nd (talk) 16:54, 29 October 2010 (UTC)

Ref Jlogan - With reference your POV edit – “QE2 making a speech is not notable here.”

My addition to this section is from the European Parliament Website, and it is historically factual, well cited and referenced from highly notable authorities, and specifically quoted in the speech as an “example of the founding fathers of the community.” Accordingly, I see no valid reason why the references to these historical speeches should not be included. The article begins with the statement that the (EEC) was renamed as the European Community. The “European Community” section gave no explanation why it was re-named as such. These Cited references of two British Prime Ministers, and the Queen as British Head of State, to the President of European Parliament in 1992 – quoting/endorsing the “Community of Europe,” is very notable, being of both European and British historical, political and constitutional importance. Stephen2nd (talk) 22:42, 28 October 2010 (UTC)


 * I'm afraid it simply isn't. It may be cited but that doesn't mean QE2 endorsing a "Community of Europe" has any impact on the development of the community and gives no explanation for European Community. There are countless speeches made to Parliament by heads of state, to mention this one is simple trivia. Maybe it would be notable on a smaller page such as one of the history pages or QE2's page but not here.- J.Logan`t : 06:40, 29 October 2010 (UTC)


 * The references within these cited speeches are self explanatory as to the development and history of the “Community,” and without such speeches this Community would not exist.There are indeed countless speeches made to (European) Parliament(s) by heads of states, however this specific speech in 1992, in terms of EU development initiated the change of name &/or ideology from European Economic Community to the European Community. Your POV statement, any speech by any head of state, is not notable or is simple trivia, especially in reference to the “Tragedy of Europe” of the Churchill & Queens speeches, may be your policy, or that of the EEC, EC, &/or EU, it is not the policy of Wikipedia.


 * You have stated no counter-reason why the name was changed, or cited any Wikipedia policy as to why these notable and cited references should be censored out of this article. My edits are not POV, they are well cited, by notable authorities, in context, and in accordance with Wikipedia rules, therefore I am restating the speech references. Stephen2nd (talk) 16:54, 29 October 2010 (UTC)


 * Don't be absurd, QE2's speech did not cause the EU to exist. Churchill is cited as it was very symbolic for the time and is widely cited. QE2 had zero impact. Second it was renamed because it was expanded beyond economic policy then. Stop this vandalism please.- J.Logan`t : 16:21, 30 October 2010 (UTC)


 * Your accusation of vandalism based on “QE2 caused the EU to exist,” is an absurdity from your biased imagination, it is a falsehood I have not stated or even implied as such. Although you seem intent on manipulating and participating in an edit war, this is against the policy of Wikipedia, which in reference to WP:VAND, WP:EW, WP:NPOV, WP:OWN, WP:N & WP:3RR, you seem not aware of. This article is not your forum, or blog or website of the EEC, EC, or EU. Nor is it your personal article, or owned by you &/or these/this organizations. Nor do I, or anyone else, need your &/or their approval or permission for any contribution, I or anyone else makes!


 * Again, with reference this article begins with the statement; (EEC) was renamed to (EC) between 1992/93. The History section – European Community, offered no explanation whatsoever for this circumstance. Accordingly, “in good faith” I quoted an EU Website speech, which initiated the - changing of the name - from EEC to EC, between 1992/93. Such speeches are widely stated and quoted throughout Wikipedia, and are often referred to and quoted in EU and other articles relating to national and international institutions. As such, as I have reasonably explained, my contribution was made in good faith, well cited, by very notable authorities, and in context, and in accordance with Wikipedia rules.


 * As I have exhausted all relevant procedures in this matter, I will now re-state the original contribution here. In reference to the speech in question (above), please cite the specific reference(s), which you are opposed to, (stating why), so that we may reach a mutually acceptable compromise, for inclusion in the appropriate article-section. Stephen2nd (talk) 16:54, 31 October 2010 (UTC)


 * Following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union on 7 February 1992, the British Head of State; Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip as Lord of the Privy Council, addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 12 May 1992. The Queen, addressing the (then) President Egon Alfred Klepsch (1930 – 2010), quoted from speeches of two former British Prime Ministers, Winston Churchill’s celebrated Zurich speech of 1946, and the speech in Wales of Lord Salisbury of 1888, in which he stated “We are a part of a “Community of Europe” and we must do our duty as such.” The Queen closed with the statement; “104 years on, I salute the wisdom of those words, may god grant the same wisdom to us, as we build together our European family." The European Economic Community (EEC), was then renamed as the European Community (EC) in 1993, prior to the enactment of the Maastricht Treaty on 1 November 1993. Stephen2nd (talk) 16:54, 31 October 2010 (UTC)


 * This speech is not notable enough for this article in my opinion. It might be a clever speech, but it certainly had no effect on the history of the European Community. Many famous and powerful people have given brilliant speeches to the EP, and I don't see why this particular speech by a British monarch could be considered more important. - SSJ t 18:03, 31 October 2010 (UTC)


 * Thanks SSJ. Stephen2nd, while you may know a lot about monarchies, I'm afraid it seems you do not know much about the history of the European Union (though not many people do). You're claim that QE2's speech was the cause of the rename from EEC to EC is outlandish, spurious and absurd. You should appreciate that causation does not equal causation. In fact, the term EC was used even before Maastricht. The removal of Economic officially from its title was entirely down to the increase in competencies of the EEC under Maastricht to include non-Economic policy areas.
 * Needless to say, one random speech by a monarch, not even a president but a powerless figurehead, is not worthy of being noted in this article. As SSJ points out there are hundreds of speeches made to the EP and plenty that have had an impact. This one did not, and hence should be disregarded. If you wish for it to be mentioned on Wikipedia, please keep it to QE2's page.- J.Logan`t : 21:45, 31 October 2010 (UTC)

Val-Duchesse
The Val-Duchesse Chateau is not a castle, but a late 18th Century stately home. The term Chateau should therefore be maintained. It takes its name from the adjoining Priory, which is in its turn named for its foundress, not for its location: it lies in the valley of the river Woluwe. The entire name should therefore be anglicised as the Chateau of Val-Duchesse, in exactly the same way we do not translate Schonbrunn in Vienna. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.40.71.146 (talk) 16:18, 14 October 2012 (UTC)

Controversy in the UK
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the EEU. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 50.237.85.146 (talk) 16:37, 22 April 2021 (UTC)

I noticed this section in the article: "EEC membership was a controversial issue in the United Kingdom, the largest demonstration against the UK's membership coming on 25 March 1975 when some 400 members of the far-right National Front (known for its anti-immigration policies) demonstrated across London."

I'm not familiar with this area of history, and do not know if membership of the EEC was a controversial issue or not, but the example given would suggest it was not. If the largest protest attracted only 400 members of a racist/fascist fringe group (who's "high-point" was gaining 0.6% of the vote at 1979 election...) it doesn't seem to suggest it was very controversial at all. With such a small protest, it would suggest the general public either supported it or didn't care.

So either that section is incorrect... or it needs a better example and reference to prove there was actual controversy.

Rushton2010 (talk) 18:34, 2 June 2013 (UTC)


 * EEC membership was controversial in the UK but I agree that the cited example is a poor one and even gives undue prominence to a fringe group ahead of more main stream opposition groups, such as the Anti-Common Market League. In any event I'm not sure this article is where to discuss such issues. — Blue-Haired Lawyer t 11:54, 3 June 2013 (UTC)

Greenland
Is there any reason this article doesn't mention Greenland's temporary membership and what their motivations were for joining/leaving the economic union? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 109.91.215.215 (talk • contribs)


 * I don't think so. Although, they did not join as an individual member state, but instead as part of Denmark. There might be other territories of states that had left also. Saint Barthélemy left in the EU in 2012 for example. Rob984 (talk) 23:30, 25 November 2015 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 1 one external link on European Economic Community. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/20070709220601/http://www.dragoman.org/ec/belfast-2002.pdf to http://www.dragoman.org/ec/belfast-2002.pdf

When you have finished reviewing my changes, please set the checked parameter below to true or failed to let others know (documentation at ).

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 10:28, 21 July 2016 (UTC)

Dr. Wall's comment on this article
Dr. Wall has reviewed this Wikipedia page, and provided us with the following comments to improve its quality:

"The article has references to the budget of European Economic Community but almost no details. Although this article is not the place for a detailed discussion of the budget, readers would benefit from some brief discussion of size of the EEC budget and the sources of its funding.  The important points would be that the EEC budget was small and not comparable to the budgets of (true) federal governments elsewhere in the world.  Also, that the budget contributions were (and are) a source of political contention among the countries, most notably when then UK Prime Minister Thatcher demanded and ultimately got a reduction in the UK's budget contribution.  See for example, https://www.chathamhouse.org/media/comment/view/190655."

We hope Wikipedians on this talk page can take advantage of these comments and improve the quality of the article accordingly.

We believe Dr. Wall has expertise on the topic of this article, since he has published relevant scholarly research:


 * Reference : Jens Hagendorff & Ignacio Hernando & Maria J. Nieto & Larry D. Wall, 2010. "What do premiums paid for bank M&As reflect? The case of the European Union," Banco de Espaa Working Papers 1011, Banco de Espaa.

ExpertIdeasBot (talk) 18:53, 30 August 2016 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 1 one external link on European Economic Community. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20070623104055/http://europa.eu/institutions/inst/comm/index_en.htm to http://europa.eu/institutions/inst/comm/index_en.htm

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 08:04, 27 December 2016 (UTC)

Algeria and Greenland
As part of then France, Algeria was a territory of EEC at its foundation in 1957: this is correctly showed in the GIF picture of EEC evolution. But in other maps there is no trace of it. Would it not be more correct, to add it like e.g. a hatch, colourising half of the country to mark that it was (even if for just few years) part of the EEC? The same could be said about Greenland, which opted out in 1985. Filippo83 (talk) 08:48, 17 February 2017 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 2 external links on European Economic Community. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added tag to http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/background_page/008-1806-015-01-03-901-20070109BKG01804-15-01-2007-2007-false/default_p001c006_en.htm
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20070703155822/http://europa.eu/institutions/inst/council/index_en.htm to http://europa.eu/institutions/inst/council/index_en.htm
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20091222001147/http://europa.eu/institutions/inst/auditors/index_en.htm to http://europa.eu/institutions/inst/auditors/index_en.htm

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 01:06, 25 September 2017 (UTC)

I think "European Community" should redirect to European Union to avoid confusion as most people who are searching for information for 'European Community' are actually thinking the current EU.
I think "European Community" should redirect to European Union to avoid confusion as most people who are searching for information for 'European Community' are actually thinking the current EU not European Economic Community. People like myself who search on 'European Community' probably don't know enough to get the search term right and will end up reading the wrong page, even with the disclaimer on top. I have no strong conviction on this issue. Geo8rge (talk) 14:55, 31 May 2018 (UTC)


 * We don't want to confuse today's French Fifth Republic with the former Kingdom of France, do we, so on Wikipedia former political realities have their own articles linking to the modern reality.2001:8A0:774C:7800:81E7:6F27:DE4D:EC59 (talk) 09:47, 3 March 2022 (UTC)

Lack of Sources
There are quite a lot of statements that lack sources in this article.

(86.132.126.93 (talk) 00:26, 9 July 2018 (UTC))