Signed on 25 March 1957

Into force on 1 Jan. 1958

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Content: To deal with the general shortage of “conventional” energy in the 1950s, the six founding States (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) viewed nuclear energy as a means of achieving energy independence. Since the costs of investing in nuclear energy could not be met by individual States, the founding States joined together to form Euratom.

The general objective of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community is to contribute to the formation and development of Europe’s nuclear industries, so that all the Member States can benefit from the development of atomic energy, and to ensure security of supply. The Treaty guarantees high safety standards for the public and prevents nuclear materials intended principally for civilian use from being diverted to military use.

Unlike the EC Treaty, no major changes have ever been made to the Euratom Treaty, which remains in force. The European Atomic Energy Community has not merged with the European Union and therefore retains a separate legal personality, while sharing the same institutions.

The Euratom Treaty and EEC Treaty are together known as the Treaties of Rome.

Ratification: Belgium (2 Dec. 1957), France (2 Aug. 1957), Germany (27 July 1957), Italy (14 Oct. 1957), Luxembourg (30 Nov. 1957), Netherlands (5 Dec. 1957)

Each country ratified the treaty with large majorities. Only France experienced significant opposition (from the Communists, Gaullists and Poujadists).