ABSTRACT
The European Union – of which the European Community is the largest component – now comprises 25 countries with a population of 454 million people.2 As will be seen below, the original three Communities arose from the desire to put the raw materials of war beyond the control of the nation state once and for all and to unite previously warring nations within a community which would foster not only peace and security but also economic growth and raised standards of living for all its peoples. The Union is based on the rule of law, the protection of individual human rights and a common European citizenship. Originally founded on the goal of achieving a common market for goods and services, the original Communities were based on four freedoms: freedom of movement of persons, goods, services and capital. For over half a century, the European project has fostered political and economic integration, while retaining respect for the individuality and identity of its Member States. Economically nowadays the Union represents a leading trading power – a position which could not be achieved by any of the Member States acting alone. A common currency – the Euro – was introduced in 1999.3 The ambitions of the Union have extended far beyond the original objectives of a common market for goods and services and now include the aim of developing common foreign and security policies and extensive co-operation between the police and legal systems of the Member States.
