Single European Act — the first major revision of the 1957 Treaty of Rome
The Single European Act was the first major revision of the Treaty of Rome, setting a 1992 deadline for a single European market.
Key Facts
- First signing date
- 17 February 1986
- Second signing location
- The Hague, 28 February 1986
- Entered into force
- 1 July 1987
- Single market deadline
- 31 December 1992
- Member States at signing
- 12
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1957 Treaty of Rome lacked mechanisms to complete an integrated European market, as non-tariff barriers continued to impede cross-border trade and investment among member states. Calls for deeper economic integration and streamlined Community decision-making prompted negotiations for a comprehensive treaty revision during the early 1980s.
The Single European Act was signed at Luxembourg City on 17 February 1986 and at The Hague on 28 February 1986, entering into force on 1 July 1987 under the Delors Commission. It set a single market deadline of 31 December 1992, introduced the cooperation procedure, extended Qualified Majority Voting to new areas, and codified European Political Co-operation.
The SEA accelerated legislative reforms across twelve member states, dismantling non-tariff barriers and providing a broad economic stimulus. It also anticipated deeper political union by expressing intent to transform inter-state relations into a European Union, directly foreshadowing the 1992 Maastricht Treaty and the establishment of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Political Outcome
The Single European Act entered into force on 1 July 1987, establishing a framework for a single European market by 1992 and codifying European Political Co-operation.
European Community governed primarily by unanimity voting under the original Treaty of Rome framework
Qualified Majority Voting extended to new areas; cooperation procedure introduced, strengthening Community legislative capacity