When the EC was established, one of the main goals was to promote economic development and secure prosperity in Europe. The six founding members agreed to set up a common market, i.e. an area in which the national markets could function as one, without any borders. The customs union and the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital between the member states are important features of the EU common market. The pillar metaphor used to describe the various components of European cooperation, was first applied in connection with the Treaty on European Union, which came into force on 1 November 1993.
Cooperation is divided into three parts.
In these areas most decisions are made by qualified majority voting. That means that no member state has the right of veto. In fact, a country may find itself in a position whereby it is obliged to implement decisions which it has voted against. However, in practice, the general ambition is to reach agreement in negotiations. Cooperation under this pillar can largely be described as supranational.