50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome

1.31.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Mar 2007

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. On March 25, 1957 six statesmen signed a treaty whose consequences have exceeded their wildest hopes. The Europe of their time had just emerged from a devastating war, it was politically divided, many of its citizens were ruled by dictators, its economy was shattered, there was much personal hardship, there were restrictions on people's movements. Air, land and water were widely polluted.

The Europe of today is unrecognisable. Almost 500 million of its citizens live under stable democracies, benefit from open market economies, have the security of the rule of law, and enjoy human rights and a clean environment. They are free to live, study, travel and work across the continent. Above all there is peace, secured in part by NATO but also by the collaboration of member states working towards mutual advantage. In the wings are Balkan states and Turkey waiting to enjoy the same advantages. And with its emissions trading scheme Europe leads the way in tackling the central problem of our day, climate change.

Of course there are deficiencies. Fifty years is a short time in the life of a nation state, how much shorter in the life of an international enterprise of this magnitude. It is still work in progress. But can any fair-minded person with a basic grasp of international affairs deny that this March we have much to celebrate?

Stephen Quigley

Chairman, EU50 Project

European Movement