The Institutions of the European Union III

The Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957 by 6 countries starting the present-day European Union, set the following task for the European Economic Community: „by establishing a common market and progressively adopting the economic policies of member states, to promote throughout the Community a harmonious development of economic activities, a continuous and balanced expansion, an increase in stability, an accelerated raising of the standard of living and closer relations between the States belonging to it.”. These goals have been largely achieved, UE being permanently preoccupied to enlarge them. The Europe of the 21st century still has to deal with issues of safety and security. These things can never be taken for granted.Every new step in world development brings with it not only opportunities but also risks. The EU has to take effective action to ensure the safety and security of its 25 member states (soon 27 members). The EU institutions are central to Europe’s success in inventing and operating a system that has brought real and lasting peace to a large area of the planet.