Why bother with Brussels? Treaties

The European Union has developed through a series of treaties, with the goal of moving towards greater European integration. Each treaty sets out the constitutional basis that lays out the scope of the Union, so how decisions will be made and what areas they will be made in. Below are brief explanations of the main treaties.

Treaty of Rome - 1957

Signed by 'the six' in 1957 the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community or EEC - this was a common market with common policies and customs. The 'six' were Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

The Treaty on European Union or the Maastricht Treaty - 1993

The Maastricht Treaty changed the name from EEC to the European Community as the scope now extended from economics to the political. New areas of intergovernmental cooperation between member states were introduced including defence, home affairs and justice. The treaty introduced a new structure for the three main institutions (Commission, Council of Ministers and Parliament) and was the beginning of the European Union as we know it.

Treaty of Amsterdam - 1997

The Treaty of Amsterdam consolidated previous treaties and extended the scope of the Union further, placing a greater emphasis on citizenship and individual rights and to encourage people's involvement in the democratic process at all levels. The European Parliament also gained more powers.

The Treaty of Nice - 2001

The Treaty of Nice reformed the main institutions and streamlined working so that the EU could cope after enlargement to 25 member states.

Treaty of Lisbon - 2009

The Treaty of Lisbon was ratified in December 2009. The main objectives of this treaty are to make the EU more democratic and more efficient so it's able to tackle today's global challenges such as climate change, security and sustainable development. it increases the power of the Parliament in decision making process, creates the post of President of the European Council and introduces 'citizens initatives'.