Robert Schuman's life history

robert-schuman

Who was Robert Schuman? Where did he come from? What did he do? What were the major dates in his life?
Find all the important events in the life of Robert Schuman in this biographical section devoted to it.

Biography

Declaration of 9 may

déclaration

The declaration of 9th May 1950 is believed to be the founding text of European integration. Delivered by Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, in the Salon de l'Horloge at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris, this declaration, inspired by Jean Monnet, the first Planning Commissioner, lays out a European organisation that would be responsible for pooling the French and German production of coal and steel.

Read the declaration of 9 may

Videos

Robert Schuman Declaration – 9 May 1950: a founding act

Robert Schuman, then French Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered a historic speech that now bears his name: the Schuman Declaration. In this speech, he proposed that France and Germany pool their steel and coal production, a decisive step for these countries on the path to peace and solidarity. This led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the first step towards European integration, which would later give rise to the European Union. 
 
Video from the European Commission.

 
History: Fathers of Europe

The EU as we know it today began with the European Coal and Steel Community conceived by Frenchmen Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet at the end of the Second World War. European peace was secured by trade ties after years of conflict.

European Parliament video.

 
History of a Treaty
 Visuel History of a Treaty

An assembly of topical documents - this film is a retrospective of the events which marked the creation (1951) and the first years of the Community of Steel and Coal (ECSC). It also describes how the ECSC was run: the High Authority and the Court of Justice. It also includes an excerpt from the speech given by Robert Schuman on 9th May 1950 when he suggested the creation of the ECSC, the signature of the treaty in Paris on 18th April 1951, the speeches delivered by Jean Monnet on 10th August 1952 during the inauguration of the High Authority of the ECSC, and on 30th April 1953 on the eve of the opening of the Economic Community of Steel and Coal (ECSC). (USIS)

For Europe

Order the only book by Robert Schuman : « For Europe » :rn

The 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. To mark the occasion, take a virtual tour of the Robert Schuman European Centre museum dedicated to this event.

Youtube channel of the Robert Schuman European Centre

 

Scy-Chazelles

In 1924 Robert Schuman purchased the estate in Scy-Chazelles, a Lorraine village on the slopes of Mont St.Quentin that forms the backdrop to the area of Metz. Today the house has been transformed into a museum and convention centre. The buildings and the gardens are austere and yet simple integrating harmoniously into the landscape of the Moselle valley.

More about Scy-Chazelles

Bibliography

robert schuman

Bibliography on Robert Schuman

Go to the bibliography

Special page on May 9

Every year in celebration of Europe Day the Robert Schuman Foundation puts a special "9th May" page on-line " recalling who Robert Schuman was, what we are celebrating and presenting the various events that are taking place in Europe on 9th May.

View the special page