60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome
March 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, which laid the foundations for the European Union we know today. An array of events is taking place around Europe and Australia to acknowledge the 60th anniversary, including celebrations at Parliament House in Canberra, attended by ANUCES Director Professor Jacqueline Lo and Deputy Director Anne McNaughton. Also in attendance were Members of Parliament, including Minister Steven Ciobo who gave a formal address, speaking of future relations between EU and Australia.
Diplomatic representatives were also in attendance, including His Excellency Mr Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Australia, and His Excellency Mr Pier Francesco Zazo, Ambassador of Italy to Australia. The event was organised by the Embassy of Italy and the Parliamentary German Australian Friendship Group.
In conjunction with the 60th anniversary, the European Commission has released a white paper entitled ‘The future of Europe: reflections and scenarios for the EU27’, which sets out possible paths for the future of Europe.
"As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, it is time for a united Europe of 27 to shape a vision for its future" - Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, 1 March 2017
More information
Find out more about the 60th anniversary in the European Union Newsroom
Find out more about the European Commission white paper here
Download the European Commission white paper: The future of Europe: reflections and scenarios for the EU27 (PDF 3.71MB)
Follow the debate on social media: #eu60
View photos of the celebrations at Parliament House in Canberra on the Italian Embassy Facebook page
View a 60 years of Europe timeline on the European Union website