I. GENERAL COMMENTS
CONCERNING THE EU
A.
From The Treaty of Rome to the Treaty of Maastricht
The European Economic Community
(EEC) came into existence following the signing
of the Treaty of Rome in 1957 by the six original
Member States. The principal object of the
Treaty was the creation of a single unified
market within its Member States. The United
Kingdom, Denmark, and the Republic of Ireland
acceded to the Community in 1973, Greece in
1979, Spain and Portugal in 1986 and Austria,
Sweden and Finland in 1996.
The Treaty of Rome is essentially
an agreement of principle. For the fulfillment
of its objective, it specifically envisages
the free movement of goods, services, persons
and capital within the Member States. The
Treaty also defines and creates the institutions
charged with the duties of managing, controlling
and implementing the numerous steps required
to result in the creation of a single European
market.
The idea of a single market, as
envisaged in 1957, has been taken substantially
further by the Single European Act of 1986
entered into among the Member States and which
envisages close economic and monetary cooperation
as well as a close harmonization of social,
scientific, technological and environmental
policies.
Under the Treaty of Maastricht
ratified by the Member States on February
7th, 1992, the EEC was replaced by the European
Union, characterized by economic and monetary
union, and common policy in matters of justice,
security and foreign affairs. The Member States
also planned the creation of a common currency
named "Euro" which has entered into
circulation in 1999.
Remark :
The Treaty of Rome is still in existence.
Copyright
1997-2000 SCP Weissberg - Gaetjens - Ziegenfeuter
