Hubbry Logo
search
logo
2222224

Treaty establishing the European Defence Community

logo
Community Hub0 Subscribers
Write something...
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
See all
Treaty establishing the European Defence Community

The Treaty establishing the European Defence Community (EDC), also known as the Treaty of Paris, is a treaty of European integration, which upon entry into force would create a European defence force, with shared budget and joint procurement. This force would operate as an autonomous European pillar within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The treaty was signed on 27 May 1952 by Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and West Germany. Article 129 of the treaty allows for additional countries to join the community.

By 1954, four out of the six signatories had ratified the treaty. Ratification by France and Italy was not completed, after the French National Assembly voted for indefinite postponement of the process in 1954. The treaty was never formally annulled and ratification remains technically open for completion. Recent geopolitical developments—including the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the re-election of US President Donald Trump in 2024—have renewed interest in the treaty. On 3 April 2025, a bill to ratify the EDC was introduced in both chambers of the Italian Parliament.

The EDC would entail a unified defence, divided into national components, funded by a common budget, common arms, centralised military procurement, and institutions.

Establishes the intent to strengthen peace and unity in Europe, ensure security, and lay the groundwork for eventual political federation.

Articles 1–7: Legal foundation, aims, principles (e.g., peaceful purpose, equal treatment, NATO cooperation), juridical personality.

Articles 8–12: Establishment of integrated armed forces; restrictions and exceptions for national forces (e.g., police, UN missions, royal guards).

Articles 13–20: Overview of the four institutions: Council of Ministers, Commissariat, Assembly, Court of Justice. Defines legal powers and responsibilities.

See all
User Avatar
No comments yet.