Euratom Treaty
Euratom Treaty
Paul-Henri Spaak and Jean-Charles Snov et d’Oppuers at the signature of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) 25 March 1957
Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community
Two treaties were signed on 25 March 1957 - the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom). Among the main aims of the Euratom Treaty were:
- promoting research and disseminating technical information
- setting uniform safety standards to protect the public and industry workers
- facilitating research
- ensuring civil nuclear materials are not diverted to other uses, particularly military
The value of Euratom can be seen clearly in the context of enlargement. Nuclear power was an important energy source for many Eastern European countries, but safety standards in their nuclear power plants and the level of protection of the public and workers were not always sufficiently high. Euratom provided the context for EU support.
- Signed in: Rome (Italy) 25 March 1957
- Entry into force: 1 January 1958