Founding Treaties of the European Union
The Founding Treaties of the European Union are a collection of historic agreements that laid the groundwork for what is now known as the European Union. These treaties established the legal and institutional framework essential for the EU's functioning and expansion. Key among these treaties are the Treaty of Paris 1951, Treaty of Rome 1957, Maastricht Treaty, and the Treaty of Lisbon.
Treaty of Paris 1951
The Treaty of Paris 1951 was a pioneering agreement that marked the beginning of European integration. Signed on April 18, 1951, by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany, it established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The ECSC aimed to centralize control over coal and steel production, which were critical for military power, to ensure these resources were not used for war among these nations. This was a significant step toward economic cooperation and reconciliation after World War II.
Treaty of Rome 1957
Building upon the foundations of the ECSC, the Treaty of Rome 1957 was signed on March 25, 1957. This treaty created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC aimed to foster economic integration by creating a common market and customs union among its member states, while Euratom focused on the peaceful development of nuclear energy. The Treaty of Rome is often heralded as a major milestone in the history of European integration.
Maastricht Treaty
The Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, was signed on February 7, 1992, in Maastricht, the Netherlands. It represented a significant evolution in European integration, establishing the European Union and paving the way for the introduction of the euro as a common currency. The treaty laid out three pillars: the European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Justice and Home Affairs, thus broadening the cooperation beyond economic matters to include political integration.
Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon, signed on December 13, 2007, and entering into force on December 1, 2009, was designed to streamline EU operations and enhance its decision-making capacity. It amended the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Rome, effectively forming the constitutional basis of the EU today. Key innovations included the creation of the permanent position of President of the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as an expansion of the European Parliament's powers.