Robert Schuman’s prophetic words from 75 years ago still ring true today
“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.”
On 9 May 1950, the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented a plan for deeper cooperation in Europe. This would become the foundation for the European integration project. His speech on that day, known as the Schuman Declaration, is now widely regarded as the birthdate of the European Union. It is why we celebrate Europe Day today.
Back in 1950, European countries were still recovering from the human and economic devastation of World War II. A group of European politicians, determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past, shared a vision of a united Europe that would prevent further conflict between European countries. Schuman’s plan paved the way to make this vision a reality.
Developed in cooperation with Jean Monnet, the plan was based on two core principles – peace and solidarity. They would be achieved by integrating the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. So, in 1952, the European Coal and Steel Community was created, seeing Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg come together and run their coal and steel industries under a common management.
In the decades that have followed, this cooperation has expanded to many other areas and the six founding members of the Coal and Steel Community have expanded to the 27 Member States of the modern European Union.
During this time, we have witnessed the collapse of communism and dictatorships on our continent and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall. And we have overseen some of the EU’s biggest achievements, from the establishment of the Single Market to Erasmus and from Schengen to the Euro. Today, we are marking this special anniversary and all we have achieved and built together, and more.
To celebrate Europe Day, the European institutions open their doors to all citizens and will be organising a variety of online and on-site activities in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg. Join the celebrations! All activities are free of charge and no registration is required.
For more information
The European Commission’s Europe Day 2025 celebrations
Robert Schuman: architect of the European integration project
