The Treaty of Rome

The Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC), a precursor to the European Union. It aimed to promote economic integration among six European countries—Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands—by creating a common market. This meant removing barriers like tariffs and allowing free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. The goal was to foster economic growth, stability, and cooperation, ultimately working toward closer political unity. Over time, the treaty laid the groundwork for the broader political and economic partnership known as the European Union today.