Whereas 6 European countries signed the Treaty of Rome on March 25, 1957, creating the European Economic Community, which established a customs union and common market among the signatory countries in order to foster economic cooperation and interdependence; Whereas the United States welcomed and supported this European economic integration, recognizing that this kind of union would promote interdependence and therefore prevent future war and conflict; Whereas this economic integration has broadened and evolved into the European Union, a unique political and economic union covering much of the European continent and based on the principles of rule of law and representative democracy, which has pursued common policies in economic, security, diplomatic, and political areas and has helped bring unprecedented peace and stability to Europe and its neighbors; Whereas European integration has been essential in opening and expanding markets, strengthening the rule of law and respect for basic freedoms, and fostering democracy in Europe itself, both in European Union members and aspiring nations; Whereas, since World War II, the United States has firmly supported and been an active partner in the European integration project, working with Europe to rebuild its war-torn continent through the Marshall Plan and to create an Atlantic security alliance built on shared values and ideals, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to permanently prevent the kind of conflict we had just endured; Whereas the United States and Europe have since engaged in a close and robust Transatlantic partnership, constructed on a strong foundation of shared values and commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law, to the benefit of the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world; Whereas a strong United States-European Union partnership has helped build our mutual economies, ensured unprecedented peace in Europe, and remains essential to creating a freer, safer, and more prosperous and more interconnected world