<P> The TFEU originated as the treaty establishing the European Economic Community (the EEC treaty), signed in Rome on 25 March 1957 . On 7 February 1992, the Maastricht treaty, which led to the formation of the European Union, saw the EEC Treaty renamed as the Treaty establishing the European Community (TEC) and renumbered . The Maastricht reforms also saw the creation of the European Union's three pillar structure, of which the European Community was the major constituent part . </P> <P> Following the 2005 referenda, which saw the failed attempt at launching a European Constitution, on 13 December 2007 the Lisbon treaty was signed . This saw the' TEC' renamed as the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and, once again, renumbered . The Lisbon reforms resulted in the merging of the three pillars into the reformed European Union . </P> <P> The TFEU consists of seven parts: </P> <P> In principles, article 1 establishes the basis of the treaty and its legal value . Articles 2 to 6 outline the competencies of the EU according to the level of powers accorded in each area . Articles 7 to 14 set out social principles, articles 15 and 16 set out public access to documents and meetings and article 17 states that the EU shall respect the status of religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations under national law . </P>

Treaty on the functioning of the european union wiki