The European Community (EC) was a regional organization aimed at fostering economic integration among its member states. Established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, it initially focused on creating a common market and promoting trade among six founding countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands. Over time, the EC expanded to include more nations and developed policies in various areas, including agriculture and regional development. In 1993, the EC became part of the broader European Union (EU) with the Maastricht Treaty, which introduced a more comprehensive political and economic framework. The EC's functions were integrated into the EU, which now encompasses a wider range of issues, including foreign policy and security.