Common Market

the Common Market

1. (dated or historical) European Economic Community, a predecessor of the European Union.
   • 1961 December, “The Channel Tunnel—a realistic proposal”, in Trains Illustrated, page 722:

     The continued growth of cross-Channel traffic, the urgent question of the renewal of the short-sea fleet of the B.T.C. and its installations, and the possible entry of Britain into the Common Market make an early decision on the tunnel highly desirable, if not vital.

   • 1963 January, “Transport in the Common Market”, in Modern Railways, page 3:

     Does a common market in goods require a common market in transport services? Although nearly five years have passed since the inception of the 12-year phased transition of the Six to full "common market" conditions, this general question has still to be settled among member countries.

   • 1981 March 23, Antony Jay, Jonathan Lynn, “The Devil You Know (Yes Minister)”, in Yes, Prime Minister, season 2, episode 5, spoken by Jim Hacker (Paul Eddington):

     You know what they say about the average Common Market official. He has the organising ability of the Italians, the flexibility of the Germans, and the modesty of the French. And that's topped up by the imagination of the Belgians, the generosity of the Dutch and the intelligence of the Irish (laugh track).