The Merger Treaty
The Merger Treaty, officially known as the Treaty of Brussels, was a pivotal European treaty signed on 8 April 1965, which unified the executive institutions of the European Coal and Steel Community, European Atomic Energy Community, and the European Economic Community. This treaty came into force on 1 July 1967 and marked a significant step in the integration of European economic structures.
Historical Context
Before the Merger Treaty, the aforementioned communities operated with separate institutions. However, the need for streamlined operations and effective governance led to the decision to unify these institutions. This decision was in alignment with the broader vision of a more cohesive and integrated European Community.
Key Provisions
The Merger Treaty established that the Commission of the European Communities would replace the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community, the Commission of the European Economic Community, and the Commission of the European Atomic Energy Community. Similarly, the Council of the European Communities replaced the Special Council of Ministers of these communities.
Despite the unification, each community retained its legal independence, sharing common institutions such as the Parliamentary Assembly and the Court of Justice. These shared institutions were collectively recognized as the European Communities.
Impact and Legacy
The implementation of the Merger Treaty was pivotal in the evolution of the European Union. It laid the groundwork for subsequent treaties and reforms, including the Treaty of Lisbon, which aimed to further refine and streamline the operations of European institutions.
Additionally, the treaty is significant in the history of Brussels, which has often been seen as the de facto capital of the European Union. The unification of institutions under the Merger Treaty provided an opportunity to resolve issues related to the hosting of European institutions across multiple cities.