The European Community (EC) was created in 1957 as a way to develop trade cooperation and reduce tensions after World War II.
The European Community consisted of three economic associations: the European Economic Community (EEC), the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Atomic Energy Community.
The six founding countries of the European Community were Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
In 1993, the European Community was replaced by the European Union when the Maastricht Treaty came into force.