Legal Definitions - EC

Definition: EC is an abbreviation that can stand for two different things:

1. Ethical Consideration: This refers to the moral principles that guide decision-making in various fields, such as medicine, research, and business. For example, a doctor may have to consider the ethical implications of prescribing a certain medication to a patient.
2. European Community: This is an association of European nations that aims to achieve economic unity by eliminating barriers to the free movement of capital, goods, and labor among member nations. The European Community was formed in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome and later renamed the European Union (EU) in 1993 when the Maastricht Treaty took effect.

Example:

• Ethical Consideration: A company may have to consider the ethical implications of using child labor in their factories.
• European Community: A citizen of France can travel to Germany without needing a visa or going through customs because both countries are part of the European Union.

The examples illustrate how ethical considerations and the European Community can impact decision-making and daily life. In the first example, a company must weigh the potential benefits of using child labor against the moral implications of exploiting vulnerable children. In the second example, the European Union's elimination of barriers to free movement allows citizens of member nations to travel and work more easily within the EU.