The European Communities

The European Community came into being on 9 May 1950, when the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, outlined the aims* and methods of the so-called Schuman plan. The aim of the plan was to integrate the coal and steel industries of those "Western European countries who wished to participate in the scheme, creating a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). It was formally established in 1951 when six countries - Belgium, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands - signed the Treaty of Paris. Common institutions* were established to govern the operation and development of the coal and steel industries in the Member States.

The establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community was seen by many as the first step towards even greater unity in Europe. First, certain industries such as coal and steel would be integrated; then the economies as a whole of the member countries would be integrated. Finally, this would give way to broader unity and might even lead to the formation of a United States of Europe.

In 1957, the process of integration was taken a step further with the signing of the Treaty of Rome establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), to integrate the member countries' economics as a whole, and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), to encourage co-operation in the peaceful use and development of nuclear energy.

These three organisations, the ECSC, EEC and Euratom, together make up the European Community.

Notes

outline the aims — очертить задачи, цели common institutions — совместные учреждения

THE OBJECTS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

The three Communities have a number of objects.

The European Coal and Steel Commmunity owes its inspiration* mainly to Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister in 1950. After the Second World War, there was great anxiety felt by Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, that some method of preventing another war between France and Germany must be found. Schuman proposed that the whole Franco-German coal and steel production, and possibly that of other European States, should be placed under the authority* of a single supra­national organisation, war between the members of this organisation would be impossible; armaments* would be indirectly controlled.

The European Atomic Energy Community has as its objective* the creation of 'conditions necessary for the speedy establishment and growth of nuclear industries'. In this respect it undertakes and funds research and disseminates results* and other information to the Member States.

The European Economic Community has as its aim the welding* of Europe into a single prosperous area by abolishing restrictions* affecting* the movement of people, of goods and of capital.

Notes

ows its inspirations - зд. обязана своим возникновением be placed under the authority — находиться во власти (под руко­водством)

armaments — вооружение objective — цель

disseminate results — распространять результаты welding — зд. слияние

abolish restriction — уничтожить ограничения affect — воздействовать, оказывать воздействие