Treaty of Rome: Foundation of European Integration

Context:

This analysis, signed on March 25, 1957, the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC), marking a pivotal moment in European integration. It reflects the post-World War II vision of economic cooperation to ensure peace and prosperity, offering insights into international relations and economic unions as of March 25, 2025.

Crisp Information in Points:

1. Signing and Origin: The Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25, 1957, in Rome by Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, known as the "Inner Six."
2. Purpose: It created the European Economic Community (EEC) to form a common market and customs union, promoting free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital.
3. Dual Treaties: Alongside the EEC treaty, the Treaty Establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) was signed to foster peaceful nuclear energy development; both are collectively called the Treaties of Rome.
4. Historical Context: Emerged from the 1955 Messina Conference, building on the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) of 1951, to deepen economic ties and prevent future European conflicts.
5. Key Provisions: Established a customs union with phased tariff reductions, a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a Common Transport Policy, and the European Social Fund.
6. Institutions Created: Set up the European Commission, Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Assembly (later the European Parliament), and the European Court of Justice for governance and legal oversight.
7. Evolution: Renamed the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) after the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which eliminated the European Community (EC) and integrated it into the EU framework.
8. Global Impact: Laid the groundwork for the modern European Union, influencing economic integration models worldwide and shaping post-war European stability.

Key Terms:

• European Economic Community (EEC): A regional organization for economic integration among six European nations.
• Customs Union: An agreement to eliminate trade barriers and adopt common external tariffs.
• Euratom: European Atomic Energy Community for peaceful nuclear energy cooperation.
• Common Market: A market with free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital.
• European Commission: Executive body proposing legislation and managing EU policies.
• Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU): Current name of the Treaty of Rome post-Lisbon Treaty.
• Messina Conference: 1955 meeting that initiated talks leading to the Treaty of Rome.