What Was the Result of the 1998 Rome Treaty?

By Michael Ferguson

The Rome Treaty, signed in 1998, was a significant milestone in the history of the European Union (EU). This treaty aimed to strengthen the foundations of the EU and pave the way for further integration among member states. Let’s delve into the result of this pivotal agreement.

Background

The Rome Treaty, officially known as the Treaty of Amsterdam, was signed on October 29, 1998. It followed the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and sought to address some of its limitations while pushing for deeper integration.

Key Objectives

The treaty had several key objectives:

  • Enhancing Democracy: The Rome Treaty sought to enhance democratic processes within the EU by strengthening the role of the European Parliament and increasing transparency.
  • Expanding Cooperation: It aimed to expand cooperation among member states in areas such as justice, security, and foreign policy.
  • Social Policy: The treaty emphasized social policy by promoting employment rights and equal opportunities across member states.
  • Citizenship: It introduced EU citizenship, allowing individuals from member states to enjoy certain rights and protections regardless of their national citizenship.

Main Achievements

The Rome Treaty achieved several notable outcomes:

1. Institutional Reforms

The treaty reformed various EU institutions to streamline decision-making processes. This included strengthening the European Parliament’s legislative powers and improving cooperation between national parliaments and EU institutions.

2. Justice and Security Cooperation

The treaty established mechanisms for enhanced cooperation among member states in areas such as law enforcement, border control, and the fight against organized crime. This paved the way for the creation of Europol and Eurojust, enabling more effective cross-border collaboration.

3. Social Policy Advancements

The Rome Treaty placed a stronger emphasis on social policy, recognizing the importance of employment rights and equal opportunities. It aimed to promote fair working conditions, combat discrimination, and ensure social cohesion across member states.

4. Enlargement Process

The treaty introduced a clearer framework for EU enlargement, defining the criteria and procedures for new countries to join the Union. This facilitated subsequent expansions, welcoming several Central and Eastern European countries as members in the following years.

Legacy

The Rome Treaty laid the groundwork for further integration within the EU. Its focus on democracy, cooperation, and social policy set a strong foundation for future treaties and agreements.

The treaty’s achievements paved the way for subsequent advancements in areas such as economic integration (e.g., introduction of the Euro), expansion of Schengen Area border-free travel, and further cooperation in various sectors.

In summary, the 1998 Rome Treaty was a crucial step in strengthening European integration. By enhancing democracy, expanding cooperation, prioritizing social policy, and defining clear procedures for enlargement, it contributed significantly to shaping the modern European Union as we know it today.