Next May 9, we will be celebrating Europe Day 2010 and I would like to take this opportunity to explain the reason why we have marked this day on our calendar. On 9 May 1950, the by-then French minister of Foreign Affairs, called Robert Schuman, proposed a collaboration agreement between France and Germany by which the coal and steel production would be placed under a common authority. This agreement would be opened for other European countries to join. Schuman's speech, also named as Schuman Declaration, is considered to be the origin of the European Union.
But the Schuman Declaration was far more than an agreement to commonly manage the production of steel and coal in Europe. After two world wars, Europe was a divided continent. This Declaration implied that countries in Europe would start collaborating with each other, making war impossible between the signatory countries. In fact, Schuman's speech was full of sentences referring to the Europeans willingness to learn from past mistakes and take hand in hand together to build a peaceful Europe for its people to prosper.
Excerpt from the Schuman Declaration from 9 May 1950
World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it. The contribution which an organized and living Europe can bring to civilization is indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. In taking upon herself for more than 20 years the role of champion of a united Europe, France has always had as her essential aim the service of peace. A united Europe was not achieved and we had war.
Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity. The coming together of the nations of Europe requires the elimination of the age-old opposition of France and Germany. Any action taken must in the first place concern these two countries. With this aim in view, the French Government proposes that action be taken immediately on one limited but decisive point.
[Click here to read the complete Schuman Declaration]
Sponsored resources
Add your comments
