The European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC) is an international organization and legal entity established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, which aimed to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Europe. It is commonly referred to as Euratom, an abbreviation derived from its French name, "Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique."
The primary objectives of the European Atomic Energy Community are to accelerate the development of nuclear energy, coordinate common research and investments in this field, and ensure the security of supply of nuclear materials among member states. It seeks to provide a framework for cooperation among European countries to enable the safe and efficient production of nuclear energy, as well as the protection of workers and the general public from the risks associated with nuclear activities.
The European Atomic Energy Community operates under a system of shared sovereignty, whereby member states pool resources and share decision-making authority within the organization. It constitutes a separate legal entity from the European Union (EU) but remains closely linked to it, sharing the same institutions and legal framework.
Euratom encompasses various areas of activity, including the establishment of a common market for nuclear materials, the promotion of research on peaceful applications of atomic energy, the establishment of nuclear safety standards, and the facilitation of international cooperation and non-proliferation efforts.
In summary, the European Atomic Energy Community is a supra-national organization created to foster peaceful nuclear energy development and cooperation among European countries, ensuring secure and safe use of atomic energy for the benefit of its member states and their populations.
