Introduction to the European Economic Community (EEC)

In 1957, six countries in Europe came together to form a group called the European Economic Community (EEC). These countries were West Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The main idea of the EEC was to make trade easier between these countries. When countries trade easily, they can sell and buy goods without many barriers like high taxes.

The UK and the EEC

Initially, the United Kingdom (UK) did not want to join the EEC. However, it changed its mind and became a member in 1973. Joining the EEC allowed the UK to trade more freely with the other member countries.

The UK and the European Union (EU)

Later, the EEC grew and changed its name to the European Union (EU). The UK was a full member of the EU, which means it participated in decisions about trade, laws, and policies affecting the member countries. However, the UK decided not to use the Euro as its currency. Instead, it kept its own currency, the British Pound.

Key Points to Remember

  • The EEC was formed in 1957 by West Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
  • The UK joined the EEC in 1973.
  • The EEC turned into the EU over time.
  • The UK is a full member of the EU but does not use the Euro; it uses the British Pound instead.

Questions for Understanding

Easy Level Questions

  1. What does EEC stand for?
    • A) European Economic Community
    • B) European Educational Community
    • C) Eastern Economic Community
    • D) European Environmental Community
  2. When was the EEC formed?
    • A) 1960
    • B) 1957
    • C) 1973
    • D) 1980
  3. Which country was NOT a founding member of the EEC?
    • A) France
    • B) Italy
    • C) Spain
    • D) Belgium
  4. What year did the UK join the EEC?
    • A) 1970
    • B) 1973
    • C) 1980
    • D) 1965
  5. What is the currency of the UK?
    • A) Euro
    • B) Dollar
    • C) British Pound
    • D) Franc
  6. Which country is part of the EU?
    • A) Norway
    • B) Switzerland
    • C) UK
    • D) France
  7. What is one goal of the EEC?
    • A) Increase taxes
    • B) Make trade easier
    • C) Limit travel
    • D) Create a new currency
  8. How many countries formed the EEC in 1957?
    • A) Four
    • B) Five
    • C) Six
    • D) Seven
  9. What did the EEC later become?
    • A) NATO
    • B) United Nations
    • C) European Union
    • D) Commonwealth
  10. Which of the following is true about the UK and the Euro?
    • A) The UK uses the Euro
    • B) The UK does not use the Euro
    • C) The UK created the Euro
    • D) The UK is part of the Eurozone

Medium Level Questions

  1. Who were the founding members of the EEC?
    • A) UK, France, Germany, Italy
    • B) Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
    • C) France, Italy, Spain, Portugal
    • D) Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Greece
  2. What effect did joining the EEC have on the UK?
    • A) More trade barriers
    • B) Increased trade opportunities
    • C) No change in trade
    • D) Banned trade
  3. What was a reason the UK initially did not join the EEC?
    • A) They were already trading well
    • B) They did not want to share laws
    • C) They did not have enough money
    • D) They were busy with wars
  4. How did the EEC benefit its member countries?
    • A) Increased military power
    • B) Easier trade with fewer barriers
    • C) More taxes
    • D) Restricted travel
  5. What is the primary difference between the EEC and the EU?
    • A) EEC is a currency
    • B) EEC is only for trade, while EU includes policies and laws
    • C) EU came before EEC
    • D) There is no difference
  6. Why did the UK decide to keep the British Pound?
    • A) They wanted to be different from Europe
    • B) The Pound was stronger than the Euro
    • C) They were not allowed to use the Euro
    • D) They preferred their own currency
  7. What is one reason the UK joined the EEC?
    • A) To increase taxes
    • B) To have more say in European decisions
    • C) To limit imports
    • D) To create new currencies
  8. Which of the following countries joined the EEC in 1957?
    • A) Spain
    • B) Italy
    • C) Sweden
    • D) Ireland
  9. What is a common market?
    • A) A place to buy goods
    • B) An area where trade is free of taxes
    • C) A type of currency
    • D) A market for common goods
  10. How many members were in the EEC when the UK joined?
    • A) 6
    • B) 9
    • C) 12
    • D) 15

Hard Level Questions

  1. What major treaty transformed the EEC into the EU?
    • A) Treaty of Rome
    • B) Maastricht Treaty
    • C) Treaty of Lisbon
    • D) Treaty of Paris
  2. What was one major benefit of the EEC for member countries?
    • A) Increased military cooperation
    • B) Free movement of goods and people
    • C) A single language
    • D) Shared currency
  3. What was the impact of the UK’s decision to not adopt the Euro?
    • A) Increased trade with non-EU countries
    • B) Economic isolation from Europe
    • C) Greater control over its monetary policy
    • D) Loss of influence in EU decisions
  4. Why was the EEC initially formed?
    • A) To prevent wars in Europe
    • B) To create a military alliance
    • C) To control immigration
    • D) To promote cultural exchange
  5. What year did the EEC change to the EU?
    • A) 1986
    • B) 1992
    • C) 2000
    • D) 2004
  6. Which of the following is NOT a goal of the EU?
    • A) Promote economic cooperation
    • B) Ensure peace and stability
    • C) Control member countries’ governments
    • D) Foster regional development
  7. Which country was the last to join the EU before Brexit?
    • A) Croatia
    • B) Bulgaria
    • C) Romania
    • D) Slovenia
  8. What is the significance of the Maastricht Treaty?
    • A) It allowed for the creation of the Euro
    • B) It ended the Second World War
    • C) It established NATO
    • D) It created the United Nations
  9. How does the UK’s membership in the EU affect its laws?
    • A) EU laws are superior to UK laws
    • B) UK laws can never change
    • C) UK laws must follow EU laws without exception
    • D) The UK can ignore EU laws
  10. What happened to the UK’s relationship with the EU after Brexit?
    • A) The UK became a full member
    • B) The UK left the EU
    • C) The UK joined the Eurozone
    • D) The UK started a new union

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

  1. A) European Economic Community
  2. B) 1957
  3. C) Spain
  4. B) 1973
  5. C) British Pound
  6. D) France
  7. B) Make trade easier
  8. C) Six
  9. C) European Union
  10. B) The UK does not use the Euro

Medium Level Answers

  1. B) Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
  2. B) Increased trade opportunities
  3. B) They did not want to share laws
  4. B) Easier trade with fewer barriers
  5. B) EEC is only for trade, while EU includes policies and laws
  6. A) They wanted to be different from Europe
  7. B) To have more say in European decisions
  8. B) Italy
  9. B) An area where trade is free of taxes
  10. A) 6

Hard Level Answers

  1. B) Maastricht Treaty
  2. B) Free movement of goods and people
  3. C) Greater control over its monetary policy
  4. A) To prevent wars in Europe
  5. B) 1992
  6. C) Control member countries’ governments
  7. A) Croatia
  8. A) It allowed for the creation of the Euro
  9. A) EU laws are superior to UK laws
  10. B) The UK left the EU