the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg). This functionalist
experiment was so successful in boosting coal and steel production that the member
states agreed to expand cooperation under the Eu ro pean Atomic Energy Community
and the Eu ro pean Economic Community. Thus, the Treaties of Rome, signed in 1957,
committed the six states to create a common market— removing restrictions on inter-
nal trade; imposing a common external tariff; reducing barriers to the movement of
people, ser vices, and capital; and establishing a common agricultural and transport
policy. In 1968, two years ahead of schedule, most of these goals had been achieved.
New policy areas were gradually brought under the umbrella of the community,
including health, safety, and consumer standards. As success in these areas waxed and
waned, and economic stagnation hindered pro gress, action was taken. The first initiative
was expanding the size of the community in the so- called widening pro cess. The origi-
nal six members were joined by three new members in 1973. Six successive enlargements
followed, resulting in today’s 28- state membership (see map, above). These enlargements
have increased the organ ization’s influence but complicated its decision making.
SPAINUNITED
KINGDOMIRELAND
GERMANYLATVIA
LITHUANIAESTONIAFINLANDSWEDENFRANCE MOLDOVA
ITALYGREECEBELGIUM
LUXEMBOURG
AUSTRIA
ROMANIAMACEDONIA BULGARIA
ALBANIASLOVENIADENMARKNETHER-
LANDSPORTUGAL19522004Belgium, France, W. Germany, Italy,
1973–861987–952007–15POLANDHUNGARYCZECH REP.
SLOVAKIANORWAY2015 Candidate CountriesMALTA CYPRUSUKRAINEBELARUSSWITZ.
BOSNIAHERZE-
GOVINACROATIATURKEYSERBIAPotential Candidate MembersAtlantic
OceanCyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,
Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta,
Poland, Slovenia, SlovakiaLuxembourg, Netherlands
Denmark, Greece, Ireland,
Portugal, Spain, UK
Austria, E. Germany,
Finland, SwedenBulgaria, Romania, CroatiaAlbania, Macedonia,
Montenegro, Serbia, TurkeyBosnia-Herzegovina, KosovoMONTENEGRO
KOSOVOICELANDNot membersExpansion of Eu ro pean Union, 1952–2016
232 CHAPTER SEvEn ■ IGOs, InternatIOnal law, and nGOs