The Treaty of Paris, signed on April 18, 1951 between Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which subsequently became part of the European Union. The treaty expired on July 23, 2002, exactly fifty years after it came into effect.

The treaty was seen as foundational in bringing together Europe in peace after the 2nd World War. Some of the main enemies during the war were now sharing production of coal and steel, one of the very resources which previously had been central to the war effort.

Preceded by: None

EU treaties

Followed by: Treaty of Rome (1958)

For other treaties signed in Paris, see the Treaty of Paris disambiguation page.

External links

• The history of the European Union 1945-1957 (http://www.historiasiglo20.org/europe/anteceden2.htm)

it:Trattato di Parigi (1951) nl:Verdrag van Parijs (1951)