Treaty of Rome

Definition

The Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC) and laid the groundwork for the European Union. This landmark agreement aimed to create a common market and foster economic integration among its six founding countries, ultimately leading to deeper political cooperation and unity across Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25, 1957, by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
2. The main goals of the Treaty were to establish a common market and promote economic collaboration among member countries to ensure peace and stability in post-war Europe.
3. The EEC created a customs union that eliminated tariffs on trade between member states and set a common external tariff on imports from non-member countries.
4. The Treaty of Rome also initiated policies for economic cooperation and development in sectors such as agriculture and transportation.
5. Over time, the EEC expanded to include more member states and eventually evolved into the European Union with the signing of subsequent treaties.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Rome contribute to economic integration in Europe?
  • The Treaty of Rome laid the foundation for economic integration in Europe by establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), which aimed to create a common market. This meant that goods, services, capital, and labor could move freely among member states without barriers. By removing tariffs and fostering economic collaboration, the treaty not only stimulated trade but also encouraged investment and growth among its members.
• Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Rome on future treaties and developments within the European Union.
  • The Treaty of Rome served as a crucial stepping stone for subsequent treaties that further deepened European integration. It set a precedent for cooperation that led to important agreements like the Single European Act and the Maastricht Treaty. These later treaties built upon the foundations laid by the Treaty of Rome by expanding areas of collaboration from merely economic aspects to include political unity, social policy, and more comprehensive governance structures.
• Evaluate how the establishment of the EEC through the Treaty of Rome affected political relations among European nations during the Cold War era.
  • The establishment of the EEC through the Treaty of Rome significantly influenced political relations among European nations during the Cold War by promoting stability and cooperation in Western Europe. It provided a platform for countries to unite economically, reducing tensions that could lead to conflict. This economic collaboration countered Soviet influence by demonstrating the benefits of unity in contrast to communist ideologies, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment to democratic principles among member states.

Related terms

European Economic Community (EEC): An organization formed by the Treaty of Rome to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states, serving as a precursor to the European Union.

Common Market: An economic arrangement that allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member states, as established by the Treaty of Rome.

Single European Act:

An amendment to the Treaty of Rome signed in 1986, which aimed to create a single internal market by removing barriers to trade and enhancing political cooperation among EU member states.