The European Communities Pavilion’s
architectural concept evokes the form of a diamond with multiple facets,
symbolizing a Europe whose influence radiates under many and varied forms. Steel
was chosen as the principle element to emphasize the step taken 16 years ago by
six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg and the Netherlands,
which decided to replace age-old rivalries by a merger of essential interests.
By forming the European Coal and Steel Community, they established the first
common marker. In view of the success
of this project, in 1957, the principle was extended to all products, and the
European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community were born. As these Communities supply the driving power,
Europe is being transformed: the six member countries form a vast economic
area where customs barriers are being removed and people, goods and
capital move as freely as if the Six were but one. To describe this common
market of 180 million consumers from six countries and its association
with Greece, Turkey and 19 newly independent African states is the role of
the European Communities Pavilion.
