UN General Assembly
1949

12. The experience gamed by Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in the course of their efforts towards the realization of Benelux had taught them the extent of the difficulties to be overcome — even between very friendly States — on the road towards economic integration. But those difficulties should be squarely faced. They were by no means insurmountable. Only steadfast belief in the usefulness and necessity of further integration would make it possible to overcome the difficulties. The efforts of western Europe in, that field were in accordance with its historical development and with the large measure of solidarity of its component countries. Western Europe had a character and a spiritual heritage of its own, as well as a common historical task.