On 25 March, EU leaders came together in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which were signed on this day in 1957. The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, participated in the Rome Summit, where a number of events were organised to mark the occasion and to reflect on Europe’s common future.
The Treaties of Rome – signed by the six founding Member States – paved the way for the European Union that we know today: a reunited continent of peace, founded on the values of solidarity, democracy and the rule of law. Its Single Market ensures freedom of choice and movement, economic growth and prosperity for 500 million citizens. It is the largest trading bloc in the world and the biggest donor of development and humanitarian aid. This anniversary is a moment to look back on our collective achievements and to discuss the future of the EU at 27.
Following the presentation of the Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe, EU leaders adopted the Rome Declaration, which features the Union’s past achievements, present challenges and pledges to work for unity at 27 and strengthen common action in key policy areas, to the benefit of citizens.