950 proposed a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The main purpose of Schuman Plan was to create a single market for coal and steel for all European nations who were willing to join it. As a result of long negotiations the six countries namely Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and West Germany on April 18, 1951, signed convention, which was ratified in 1952. The ESCS went into operation in 1953. It consisted of a High Authority (assisted by a consultative committee), a Common Assembly, a special council and a court of justice. The High Authority consisting of nine members could take decisions, make recommendations, make levies on enterprises, control production, impose fine and regulate investment. The consultative committee attached to the High Authority consisted of 30 to 51 members. It advised the High Authority when it was called upon to do so. The Parliamentary Assembly comprised of 78 representatives of which Germany, France and Italy contributed 18 each, Belgium and Netherlands sent 10 each and Luxembourg sent four. The assembly worked under a president and considered reports submitted by High Authority. The council consisted of six representatives one each from the member states. The council held regular meetings and fixed salaries and allowances of the officials of ECSC. The court comprised of seven judges appointed for six years. The court was authorised to assess damages against the community.European Common Market (ECN): The experiment of European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) proved successful and its success convinced the six member states that the base of their economic and political cooperation should be broadened further. Consequently the six nations in 1955 decided to form European Economic Community (EEC) and on March 25, 1957 signed treaties at Rome, which established European Economic Community (EEC) and European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). The ECSC was affiliated to the European Econom...
