re some common institutions. On 1 July 1967, however, the executives of the three communities were merged into a single commission, and the goals and objectives of the three communities are pursued in a coordinated and cohesive manner (Paxton, 1988, p. 42).
The long term goals of the communities are (1) the integration of the economies of the member countries, and (2) political unity. Pursuit of economic integration has been
both more rapid and more successful than has the pursuit of political unity, although economic integration has also been beset with significant problems. The specific objectives of the three communities are as follows:
1. EURATOM: (a) supplement and coordinate the nuclear research conducted by member countries; (b) pool scientific information; (c) promote the training of scientists and technicians; and (d) the establishment of a common market for nuclear materials and equipment (Paxton, 1988, p. 45).
2. ECSC: (a) the establishment of a common market for coal and steel; and (b) the establishment of a common energy policy for member countries (Paxton, 1988, p. 43).
3. EEC: (a) the establishment of a customs union for member countries; (b) the establishment of an economic union, which includes (1) common transport policies, (2) common external trade policies, (3) the prohibition of agreements or practices which restrict, prevent, or distort fair competition among member countries, and (4) the coordination of financial, commercial, economic, and social policies; and (c) the establishment of a common agricultural policy (Paxton, 1988, pp. 44-45).
In 1970, membership negotiations began between the six member countries of the European Communities and Denmark, the Irish Republic, Norway, and the United Kingdom (UK). On 22 January 1972, these four countri
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