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EUROPEAN REVIEW

ISSUE 20 - Page 11

We have another stab at explaining things European in

Plain English

• 1. social partnership
• 2. Objectives
• 3. Ombudsman
• 4. Single Currency
• 5. Commission
• 6. Agenda 2000
• 7. Council of Ministers
• 8. EUROSTAT
• 9. European Parliament
• 10. Euro-words
• 11. OSCE
• 12. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• 13. Court of Auditors
• 14. S.M.E.s
• 15. Leonardo and Socrates
• 16. Economic and Social Committee
• 17. European Central Bank
• 18. EFTA/EEA

19. European Coal and Steel Community

Wasn't this something that started before the EU? Correct, the ECSC was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1952, 5 years before the Treaty of Rome set up the body which is now the European Union. So, what's it been doing for the last 50 years? Originally set up to co-ordinate production and distribution in the industries of the 6 original members, it has spent a lot of its time managing a huge reduction in the coal and steel communities. How bad has this been? In the 6 countries that signed the treaty in 1952 alone, employment in coal fell from 1 million to 100,000 jobs between 1955 and 2000. Steel jobs declined by two thirds. How has the ECSC helped? Article 56 of the treaty enabled it to provide funds for regenerating local areas and was the forerunner of the EU's regional policy.
		Rail workers inaugurate the ECSC

Any other big achievements?

Article 46 brought unions and employers together to begin the EU's 'social partnership' strategy. It also improved working conditions and health and safety.

What is the future for the body?

It doesn't have one. It was wound up this summer after the expiry of the Treaty.

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