Robert Schuman

"The architect of the European integration project"

Jean-Baptiste Nicolas Robert Schuman

29 June 1886, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

4 September 1963 (aged 77), Scy-Chazelles, France

He studied law, economics, political philosophy, theology and statistics at the Universities of Bonn, Munich, Berlin and Strasbourg.
Schuman received a law degree with the highest distinction from Strasbourg University.
After graduation, he set up his own law practice in Metz in 1912.

1914: The First World War broke out, but Schuman was excused from military service due to health reasons.
1918: He became active in politics. He started his career in public service as a member of the French Parliament.
1939: Schuman was a junior minister in the French government.
During World War II: He was taken prisoner, but then escaped from German custody.
After World War II ended: He returned to national politics.
From 1946 to 1947: At that time, he was Minister of Finance.
1947: Then, he became Prime Minister.
From 1948 to 1952: He worked as French Foreign Minister; he played a crucial role in the creation of the Council of Europe.
- 1950: He presented the Schuman Declaration.
1951: He signed the Treaty of Paris, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community.
From 1955 to 1956: Finally, he became Minister of Justice.
1958:
- Schuman became the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly.
- Received The Charlemagne Prize for contributions to European unity.

The Schuman Declaration: Robert Schuman presented the Schuman Declaration (May 9 1950), proposing a new form of economic and political cooperation in Europe. This declaration is regarded as the foundational moment in European integration.
Formation of The Council of Europe: Schuman played a key role in advocating for the formation of the Council of Europe, which was established on the 5th of May, 1949.
Treaty of Paris: The Schuman Declaration led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which established the European Coal and Steel Community.
Treaty of Rome: His earlier efforts and vision laid the groundwork for the treaty's signing on the 25th of March, 1957. This document established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), pushing forward the progress of European integration.
Robert Schuman Foundation: The Robert Schuman Foundation was established in 1991 in recognition of his contributions to European integration. The foundation promotes the vision and values of Schuman, always focusing on European cooperation and unity.

In a speech on May 9 1950, largely drafted by Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman proposed placing Franco-German coal and steel production under a common High Authority, inviting other European nations to join.
German Chancellor Adenauer responded swiftly with a positive reply as did the governments of the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg.
Within one year, on the 18th of April 1951, the six founding members signed the Treaty of Paris. It created the ECSC - Europe's first supranational Community.

Robert Schuman is considered one of the founding fathers of the European Union.
His efforts towards European integration were recognized posthumously, and May 9, the date of his declaration, is celebrated as Europe Day.
Schuman's ambition and vision helped bring peace and stability to post-war Europe, fostering cooperation and unity among nations that had been long-time adversaries.

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