We remember that on 9 May 1950, 75 years ago...
...the declaration that marked the beginning of European integration was made. In 1950, five years after the end of the Second World War, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, proposed to Germany and ‘to all countries willing to join’ the creation of a European organisation whose aim would be to pool coal and steel production. He thus launched the founding appeal for European integration and laid the foundations for what would become, one year later, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). At the Milan European Council in 1985, the Heads of State and Government decided to establish a ‘Europe Day’ on the symbolic date of 9 May, which has been celebrated every year since 1986.
Discover all events organized in Europe #europeday.
Robert Schuman's text of 9 May 1950
is available in 23 languages on the Foundation's website.Who was Robert Schuman? One of Europe's Founding Fathers
Consult the document regarding the Founding Fathers of EuropeConsult Jacques Rigaud's text: « 18 years in 1950: the European destiny of a generation »
Political notes : order Robert Schuman's book « For Europe »
French-language versionEnglish-language versionNews
9 May 2025
World peace cannot be safeguarded without creative efforts commensurate with the dangers that threaten it. The contribution that an organised and vibrant Europe can make to civilisation is indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.' These are the words of the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, taken up by Jean-Dominique Giuliani, to remind Europeans that the achievements of the European Union do not prevent international instability, long forgotten. In the midst of this uncertainty, Europe remains a global benchmark for democracy and the rule of law in response to the rise of extremism and populism within its borders. It must therefore show itself to be strong and uphold its values in the face of global challenges.
A bibliography relating to Robert Schuman
Robert Schuman. Du Lorrain des frontières au père de l'Europe.
Robert Schuman, homme d'État
Robert Schuman: Father of Europe
Robert Schuman Père de l'Europe
La vie et l'oeuvre de Robert Schuman
De la déclaration Schuman à Pour l'Europe
Video
History of a treaty
This film is a retrospective of the events that marked the creation (1951) and the early years of the Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). It also describes the functioning of the ECSC institutions: High Authority and Court of Justice. In particular, it includes an extract from the speech given by Robert SCHUMAN on 9 May 1950 proposing the creation of the ECSC, the signing of the Treaty in Paris on 18 April 1951, the speeches given by Jean MONNET on 10 August 1952 at the inauguration of the ECSC High Authority and on 30 April 1953, on the eve of the opening of the European common market for steel and coal. (USIS Fund)
Video
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.
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