Europes integration began with the formation of the steel and coal community in 95, the original countries being Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The aim was to promote strong economic ties as well as establish trade development. The community then expanded dramatically in the successive years thus broadening its geographical scope. Currently, the union is made up of 28 member states and boasts of significant political and economic achievements. It is by far, the most successful institution and worth mentioning as an example of a strong regional intergovernmental organization. A majority of these achievements revolve around Europes economic growth, political stability, and regional security. Europes economic growth in light of Europes integration is tied to The Treaty of Rome of 957 which saw Europe experience the beginning of a huge economic shift. In this treaty, a common market among member states was created making it possible for manufacturing industries to sell their products and services to neighbouring countries across Europe. Manufacturing industries could easily sell their goods to markets outside t
heir countries. In 968, the treaty of Rome was revisited and updated with an aim to further the already existing economic boost that was being felt across Europe. The treaty was updated to eliminate the heavy customs and tariffs that were being placed on goods. Policies of trade were outlined in articles 0-6 of the Treaty of Rome and policies of agriculture were standardized across every member state, through the common agricultural policy in articles 38-47 of the Treaty of Rome.
The common agricultural policy (CAP) was an area in which competence was shared between the European Union (EU) and EU countries. Goods were now being shipped easily and traders had no conflicting trade policies coming from their neighbours. The European Union common market began to apply itself not only to the manufacturing industries but every other industry after the Maastricht Treaty of st November 993. Profit margins of many member states began to shoot up and the economy of Europe was on a rise. It has continued to maintain its momentum and despite the new economic challenges that began to arise, Europe is still standing as the worlds largest free-trade bloc.