Robert Schuman (1886-1963)
The
politician Robert Schuman, a qualified lawyer and French foreign minister
between 1948 and 1952, is regarded as one of the founding fathers of European
unity.
Originating from the French-German border region of Alsace, despite, or maybe
as a result of his experiences in Nazi Germany, he recognised that only a
lasting reconciliation with Germany could form the basis for a united Europe.
Deported to Germany in 1940, he joined the French Resistance upon fleeing
two years later. In spite of this he showed no resentment, when following
the war he became foreign minister.
In cooperation with Jean Monnet he drew up the internationally renowned Schuman
Plan, which he published on 9 May 1950, the date now regarded as the birth
of the European Union. He proposed joint control of coal and steel production,
the most important materials for the armaments industry. The basic idea was
that whoever did not have control over coal and steel production would not
be able to fight a war.
Schuman informed the German chancellor Adenauer of the plan; he immediately
recognised the opportunity for a peaceful Europe and agreed. Shortly afterwards,
the governments of Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands also reacted.
The six states signed the agreement for the European Coal and Steel Community
in Paris in April 1951. In this way, Europe began as a peace initiative.
Schuman also supported the formation of a common European defence policy,
and was, from 1958-60, president of the European Parliament.
