What Is the Treaty of Rome and What Are Its Objectives?

By Michael Ferguson

The Treaty of Rome, signed on March 25, 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC), which later became the European Union (EU). This landmark treaty laid the foundation for economic integration among its member states and aimed to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe. Let’s delve into the objectives of the Treaty of Rome and understand its significance.

Objectives of the Treaty of Rome

The Treaty of Rome had several key objectives:

1. Establishing a Common Market

The primary objective was to create a common market among member states.

This involved removing trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor within the community. The creation of a common market aimed to promote economic growth and enhance competitiveness.

2. Promoting Economic and Social Progress

The treaty aimed to promote economic and social progress by coordinating policies related to employment, education, social security, and regional development. By fostering cooperation in these areas, the treaty sought to reduce inequalities among member states and improve living standards for all Europeans.

3. Harmonizing Policies

The treaty aimed to harmonize national policies on agriculture, transport, competition rules, taxation, and other key areas. This harmonization was crucial for ensuring fair competition within the common market and avoiding distortions that could hinder trade or lead to unfair advantages for certain countries or industries.

4. Strengthening Economic Stability

The treaty aimed to strengthen economic stability by coordinating monetary policies among member states. It paved the way for the creation of a single currency – the euro – which would later become a reality with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.

5. Enhancing Cooperation and Solidarity

The treaty emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity among member states.

It called for joint action in areas such as research and development, energy, environmental protection, consumer rights, and foreign policy. By working together, member states could address common challenges more effectively and project a united voice on the international stage.

Conclusion

The Treaty of Rome laid the foundation for the European Economic Community, which eventually evolved into the European Union. Its objectives of establishing a common market, promoting economic and social progress, harmonizing policies, strengthening economic stability, and enhancing cooperation have shaped the EU’s development over the years. The treaty’s vision of a united Europe has not only fostered peace and stability but also facilitated economic growth and improved living standards for millions of Europeans.