ABSTRACT
Similar to the case of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the circumstances that influenced the early efforts towards regional integration in Europe, including the adoption of Treaty of Paris, were primarily based on peace and security considerations. The Treaty of Paris, which established the European Coal and Steel Community, was signed on 18 April 1951. This Treaty, which provided for the initial objectives of the organisation, laid down the foundations upon which European integration was to be built. Composed of representatives of the Member States' governments, the European Council is responsible for ensuring that the objectives set out in the Treaty are attained through its decision making and its coordination of the Member States' general economic policies. In addition, the Community also has an executive body which is composed of members chosen on the ground of their general competence and their independence.
