Member states of the OECD

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Origin of the OECD

The predecessor of the OECD was the OEEC, the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation. After the Second World War, the USA, Canada and 20 European states joined forces to coordinate the reconstruction in Europe. The basis was the Marshall Plan from the United States, with which loans, raw materials and goods worth over 13 billion US dollars at the time flowed into Europe as part of an economic stimulus program. OEED was founded in Paris in 1949.

Goals and financing

After the reconstruction and termination of the Marshall Plan, the international community was continued and expanded under the name OECD. Other economic nations, such as Japan, Australia and South Korea, joined the alliance. A forum for optimal economic development and promotion was created, which is also active beyond the borders of the participating states. Developing countries, for example, are promoted specifically.

The OECD is financed by its member states, i.e., ultimately by taxpayers' money. The amount of the contributions is measured on the basis of the economic strength of the respective country. Traditionally, the USA has been the largest donor by far, followed by Japan and Germany. In addition, individual countries can also finance special projects. For example, the Pisa studies have been made possible by this.

The main tasks are the discussion of problem areas and the analysis of economic data such as productivity, flows of goods and capital. On the basis of the results, the OECD then makes "policy recommendations" to promote the free movement of goods and capital. These results and recommendations are not legally binding on individual countries.

Dependent territories

Some of the above-mentioned member states have other external territories dependent on them. These are not independent states, but they do have some economic and political autonomy. The OECD treaties apply to them at least in part. These countries are not listed as official member states.