Based in Strasbourg. Since 1989, it has become the main political focus for cooperation with Eastern and Central European countries. Works to harmonize policies and encourage adoption of common practices and standards. The EC was established in the mid-1960s as an umbrella organization for the work of the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community , and the European Atomic Energy Community . The EU aims to achieve economic and political integration.
Committees frequently meet in Brussels and the Secretariat is located in Luxembourg.
The EP's 626 democratically-elected members make policy proposals and help to draft, amend, and adopt European laws. Originally a roving discussion forum, but as a result of the increased responsibilities given to it under 1990 Charter of Paris for a New Europe , several offices and institutions have been created. Fewer than 200 people are on the OSCE's staff. The CSCE's name was changed to the OSCE at the 1994 Budapest Summit. Unlike all other existing European security organizations, the OSCE includes on an equal footing all of the nations concerned.