EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY

Abstract

This chapter describes the establishment and structure of European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The historical context of the ECSC's inception demonstrates that the broad aims of the ECSC are to serve the purpose of peace and the realization of the idea of European integration. A more directly economic and social aim of the ECSC is through the establishment and administration of a common market for coal and steel, and in harmony with the general economy of the member states, to contribute to economic expansion, growth of employment, and a rising standard of living in the member states. This includes, as an ancillary aim, the creation of conditions that are capable of ensuring the most rational distribution of production at the highest possible level of productivity, while safeguarding continuity of employment, and taking care not to provoke fundamental, and persistent disturbance in the economies of the member states.