Today in history: The creation of the European Economic Community (EEC)

On 25 March 1957 history was made with the creation of the European Economic Community. Sixty two years ago, ministers of six European nations signed the Treaty of Rome, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC).

The Treaty of Rome created a common market based on the free movement of goods, people, services and capital. It established the European Commission too. Also known today as the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, it remains one of the two most important treaties of the EU.

The creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) is seen as a major stepping stone in the creation of the EU. The EEC established a common market, which gave members the freedom to move goods, services, capital and people, and also a customs union among the founding states.

Six European states signed the Treaty of Rome to establish the European Economic Community (EEC), or the Common Market: France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

An English version of the Treaty of  Rome can be seen here