Treaty of Rome

25 March 1957 · Rome

Europe & world wars

Background

Signed by the 'Inner Six' founding countries. It created a common market and customs union, with free movement of goods, workers, services and capital. A second treaty signed the same day created Euratom. In amended form it is today the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Signed by

Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

Why it matters

Created the European Economic Community (EEC), the forerunner of the European Union.