European Coal And Steel Community

Summary of European Coal And Steel Community

One of three component entities within the European Communities, the coal and steel organization was formed following World War II to permit member states to equalize their access to iron and steel resources. The ECSC was proposed by Robert Schuman of France to encourage European economic rehabilitation following the war and to enhance prospects for eventual political unification among European states. The ECSC was established at Paris in 1951, among France, German Federal Republic, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg; the treaty became effective July 25, 1952. Great Britain, Ireland, Denmark, and Greece have joined the ECSC. Spain and Portugal will enter Jan. 1, 1986.

Principal features of the treaty include establishment of a common market among the members in coal, iron ore, and scrap (to begin February 1, 1953), steel (May 1, 1953), and specialty steel (August 1, 1954); harmonization of external tariffs on coal, iron, and steel products; joint research and development projects; and low-cost loans for financing housing of miners and steel workers.

In 1967, the council and organs of the ECSC were merged with those of the European Economic Com-munity and the European Atomic Energy Community to form the unified European Communities.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)