The European Atomic Energy Authority (Euratom)

On March 25, 1957, assembled in Rome's festively decorated Capitol, the representatives of six European nations --to the accompaniment of the triumphant ringing of the Eternal City's bells--signed the treaty for the atomic integration of their countries under the supranational authority as a step toward a United States of Europe.The Atomic Community's basic objective is a contribution toward a higher standard of living in the Member States through pooling of their resources for the development of cheap atomic power to meet ever-increasing energy needs while at the same time providing greater independence of oil from the politically unstable areas of the Middle East.