Euratom

Euratom

one of the first of the EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, formed in 1957 as a result of one of the Rome Treaties and following upon the Spaak Report, itself a result of the Messina Conference. It deals with atomic energy, which, although intrinsically important, was of political importance at the time of the formation of the Treaty because of the need for uranium in the production of atomic weapons. Its institutions merged with those of the EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY (now expired) and the EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY as a result of the merger treaty. It still has an active role and in particular the Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) is responsible for the regular and equitable supply of nuclear fuels for Community users.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006