Rome to host summit on 60th anniversary of EU

British in Italy group to participate in pro-EU “March for Europe” in Rome.

European Union heads of state or government are meeting in Rome on 25 March for an extraordinary European Council, 60 years after the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which led to the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC) on 1 January 1958.

Eurocrats fear that the anniversary event may be marred by British prime minister Theresa May triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal mechanism to withdraw Britain from the EU.

The occasion will also be marked by the March for Europe on 25 March, a demonstration for EU citizens to show their support for the European project and to call for renewed unity across Europe at a time of increasing political instability.

The newly-established group British in Italy (BiI) will participate in the march, underlining its campaign to retain the rights which Britons have as EU citizens once Britain leaves the EU.

BiI is mobilising with other groups of Britons living in Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to lobby politicians to strengthen EU foreign, security, economic and social policies.

Pope Francis will meet the EU leaders at the Vatican on 24 March ahead of the Rome summit.