The ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) Today. Proposed in 1950, the ECSC was created as a way to pool coal and steel resources by providing a unified market for coal and steel products, lifting restrictions on imports and exports, and creating a unified labor market. Annual reports show that European coal production is expected to continue its downward trend in the face of competition from international coal and other energy sources. Founded in the early 1950s, the ECSC was the forerunner of the present European Union. The ECSC treaty is due to run out in the year 2002, and the unions are calling for its renewal. "They are particularly concerned to see its important social provisions maintained" (Columbia Encyclopedia). These center on retraining and other measures to cushion the impact of job losses in the mining and steel sectors. So far, the measures have been financed by a levy on coal and steel production. Pages: 8 Bibliography: 5 source(s) listed Filename: 193 European Coal Steal.doc Price: 71.60