The Genesis of the EU: Schuman Declaration and ECSC History

The Schuman Declaration and the Birth of European Integration

Following the devastation of the Second World War, numerous proposals emerged aimed at fostering cooperation among European states. While ambitious plans, such as converting Europe into a large federal state, failed, other initiatives gained traction. Early steps included the creation of NATO and strong economic integration among the BENELUX countries (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg).

The most successful proposal, however, was rooted in the idea of progressive integration designed to prevent future conflicts, particularly between France and Germany. This concept led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom). These organizations formed the embryo of the modern European economic community, a process that continues to grow today.

This foundational movement began with a French proposal submitted by Foreign Minister Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950. Although often attributed to Schuman, the plan was largely developed by Jean Monnet. This pivotal moment is universally known as the Schuman Declaration.

The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

The Schuman Plan culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Paris on April 18, 1951, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The treaty was signed by the following six states, known as the Founding Members:

• Belgium
• France
• West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany)
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands

The ECSC was the first international organization designed to unify the production of coal and steel, placing these vital resources under the rules of the new organization. This required a partial loss of national sovereignty, which was seen as essential for rapid post-war recovery and reconciliation.

The success of the ECSC led its members to meet in Messina in 1955, resulting in the Messina Resolution. This resolution paved the way for the signing of two further international treaties in 1957.

The Treaties of Rome and the Three Communities

The two treaties signed in Rome in 1957—the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)—were signed by the same six founding states of the ECSC. Upon their entry into force, three distinct international organizations were operational:

1. ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community): Unified coal and steel production.
2. CEEA (Euratom): Created for the research and development of atomic energy in Europe, removing it from the exclusive control of individual states.
3. CEE (EEC) or Common Market: Assumed the economic integration of the six states in sectors other than coal, steel, and atomic energy.

These three organizations were eventually integrated into what became the European Union (EU), formalized by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. The ECSC Treaty itself had a limited lifespan and expired on July 23, 2002. From that moment, coal and steel became regulated under the general economic provisions of the EU.

Expansion of the European Communities (1957–2007)

The original six founding members of the European Economic Community (EEC) were the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The subsequent enlargements are detailed below:

Key Enlargement Waves

• 1973: Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom
• 1981: Greece
• 1986: Spain, Portugal
• 1995: Austria, Finland, Sweden
• 2004: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia
• 2007: Bulgaria, Romania

Current Candidate Countries

States that have applied for membership include Turkey, Croatia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia).