ABSTRACT
In Western Europe following the Second World War, as it was shaped by the division of the continent and its own military and economic links with the United States, the conception and realisation of the European Community was one of the major factors in European recovery. The Community has grown into one of the greatest units in world trade, and has begun to exercise some influence in international affairs. The movement towards an economic and monetary union and the enlargement of the Community did not lead to an intensification of the integrative process. The movement of the Community in this period slowed down. But it would be unjust to underestimate the fact that there has been always a certain progress in some areas and, moreover, that in recent years the activities of the Community have grown through the methodical extension of the former policy in a number of new directions.
