Schuman Declaration Anniversary: Original Speech and Video

After two World Wars, the Schuman Declaration sought to put an end to political tension and created the foundations for the European Union.

To mark the 63<sup>rd anniversary of the agreement, which gave birth to the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community and an infant EU in 1950, IBTimes UK decided to highlight an exerpt from ex-French foreign minister Robert Schuman's original speech.

IBTimes UK also presents the European People's Party (EPP) benchmark video that originally marked the 60<sup>th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

The EPP Group is currently the largest political force in the European Parliament and brings together centre and centre-right pro-European political forces from the Member States of the EU.

Original Speech presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on 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.

It proposes that Franco-German production of coal and steel as a whole be placed under a common High Authority, within the framework of an organization open to the participation of the other countries of Europe. The pooling of coal and steel production should immediately provide for the setting up of common foundations for economic development as a first step in the federation of Europe, and will change the destinies of those regions which have long been devoted to the manufacture of munitions of war, of which they have been the most constant victims.

The solidarity in production thus established will make it plain that any war between France and Germany becomes not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible. The setting up of this powerful productive unit, open to all countries willing to take part and bound ultimately to provide all the member countries with the basic elements of industrial production on the same terms, will lay a true foundation for their economic unification.

For the full speech, click here.