On 25 March, the EU celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which 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. 

On the occasion of this important anniversary, the Delegation of the European Union and the Italian Embassy in Skope are organising opening of the exhibition "EVER CLOSER UNION" at the foyer of MOB, tomorrow, 28 March, at 13.00 hrs.

The exhibition is organised by the Historical Archives of the European Union, European University Institute, and it is based on archival documents and images from the Historical Archives of the European Union, the Diplomatic Historical Archives of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Archives of ANSA.

The exhibition will be opened by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Delegation of the European Union, and Ambassador Carlo Romeo, Embassy of Italy.

Media are kindly invited to cover this event.

Background on the Rome Treaties

The Treaties of Rome established a common market where people, goods, services and capital can move freely and created the conditions for prosperity and stability for European citizens. Based on this foundation and the common values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, the Union grew and reunited the continent after the fall of the Berlin Wall and ensured prosperity, social and economic well-being, and sustainability for 500 million citizens.

The EU is now a place where Europeans can enjoy a unique diversity of culture, ideas and traditions. Europeans have formed life-long bonds with each other and can travel, study and work across national borders. Europe is a pioneer of gender equality, with women's employment rate now at an all-time high. 6.5 million Europeans are currently working in another EU Member State. 1.7 million Europeans cross a border to work in another Member State every day. 9 million young Europeans have benefited from the Erasmus programme of educational, vocational and professional exchanges.

In 2017, as we celebrate 60 years of the Treaties we can also say for the first time in ten years that economic growth is back in each and every Member State. The euro – the common currency in 19 out of 28 EU countries – is used by 338.6 million people every day. The European Union has become the largest trade bloc in the world. The total exports of the EU27 are worth around €5.8 trillion. This represents over one third of total global exports, more than two and a half times China's exports, and over three times those of the USA. The EU is the top trading partner for 80 countries. Every additional €1 billion in exports supports 15,000 jobs across the EU.

The White Paper presented by the European Commission on 1 March offers five scenarios for the Union's evolution by 2025:

• "Carrying On": the EU27 continues delivering on its positive reform agenda;
• "Nothing but the Single Market": the EU27 would focus on the single market as 27 Member States are not able to find common ground on an increasing number of policy areas;
• "Those Who Want More Do More": the EU27 proceeds as today but willing Member States could work closer together in specific areas;
• "Doing Less More Efficiently": focus on delivering more and faster in selected policy areas, while doing less in others;
• "Doing Much More Together": Member States decide to share more power, resources and decision-making across the board.

The scenarios cover a range of possibilities and are illustrative in nature. They are neither mutually exclusive, nor exhaustive.

For More Information

Factsheet: The White Paper Process

White paper on the Future of Europe

Webpage: The EU at 60 including events in Member States

Audiovisual Portal: 60 video testimonials about Europe

Commission Brochure: "60 Good Reasons for the EU" (Ireland)

Commission Brochure: "60 Good Reasons for the EU" (Cyprus)

EPSC Brochure: "The European Story: 60 Years of Shared Progress"

EEAS webpage: 60 Years of the EU in the World

Fold your own Origami EU60 Dove

GIF Competition: EU GIFstory

#EU60 #FutureOfEurope