The founding fathers of the EU.
Date: 2013-10-31
Institutions: Directorate-General for Communication
Subjects: European integration, biography, dissemination of EU information, history of Europe, public awareness campaign

T hE   EUr o pEa n 

U n i o n  

Ex p l a i nEd

The founding
fathers of
the EU

 
ThE  EUropEan Union 
ExplainEd

This publication is a part of a series that explains  
what the EU does in different policy areas,  
why the EU is involved and what the results are.
You can see online which ones are available  
and download them at:
http://europa.eu/pol/index_en.htm

How the EU works
Europe 2020: Europe’s growth strategy
The founding fathers of the EU

Agriculture
Borders and security
Budget
Climate action
Competition
Consumers
Culture and audiovisual
Customs
Development and cooperation
Digital agenda
Economic and monetary union and the euro 
Education, training, youth and sport
Employment and social affairs
Energy
Enlargement
Enterprise
Environment
Fight against fraud
Fisheries and maritime affairs 
Food safety
Foreign affairs and and security policy
Humanitarian aid
Internal market
Justice, citizenship, fundamental rights
Migration and asylum
Public health
Regional policy
Research and innovation
Taxation
Trade
Transport

The European Union explained: 
The founding fathers of the EU

European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication
Publications
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM

Manuscript completed in May 2012

Photos on cover and page 2: © EU 2013- Corbis

2013 — pp. 28 — 21 x 29.7 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-28695-7
doi:10.2775/98747

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 
2013

© European Union, 2013
Reproduction is authorised. For any use or reproduction 
of individual photos, permission must be sought directly 
from the copyright holders.

TH E

 F O U N D I N G

 F A T H E R S

 O F

 T H E

  E U

The founding fathers of the EU

Over half a century ago a number of visionary 

fathers were a diverse group of people who held 

leaders inspired the creation of the European 

the same ideals: a peaceful, united and 

Union we live in today. Without their energy and 

prosperous Europe. This collection tells the story 

motivation we would not be living in the sphere of 

behind 11 of the EU’s founding fathers. Many 

peace and stability that we take for granted. From 

others have worked tirelessly towards and inspired 

resistance fighters to lawyers, the founding 

the European project. 

Konrad
Adenauer

Joseph
Bech

Johan Willem 
Beyen

Winston 
Churchill

Alcide De 
Gasperi 

Walter 
Hallstein

Sicco 
Mansholt

Jean 
Monnet

Robert 
Schuman

Paul-Henri 
Spaak

Altiero 
Spinelli 

TH E

  EU R O P E A N

  UN I O N

 ExP L A I N E D

Konrad adenauer: a pragmatic democrat 
and tireless unifier

The first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, who stood at the head of the 

newly-formed state from 1949-63, changed the face of post-war German and European 

history more than any other individual.

Like many politicians of his generation, Adenauer had already realised following the 

First World War that lasting peace could only be achieved through a united Europe. His 

experiences during the Third Reich (he was removed from office as the Mayor of Cologne 

by the Nazis) served to confirm this opinion.

In the six years from 1949-55 Adenauer realised far-reaching foreign policy goals to bind 

Germany’s future with the western alliance: membership of the  

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Konrad Adenauer 1876 – 1967

Council of Europe (1951), foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community (1952), 

and Germany’s entry into NATO (1955).

A cornerstone of Adenauer’s foreign policy was reconciliation with France. Together with French President Charles de 

Gaulle a historic turning point was achieved: in 1963 the one-time arch-enemies Germany and France signed a treaty of 

friendship, which became one of the milestones on the road to European integration.

German politics

Born in Catholic Cologne on 5 January 1876 Konrad Adenauer’s 

From the late 1920s the Nazi Party began a slander campaign 

family was of humble background, but also one of order and 
discipline instilled by his father. His marriage in 1904 to the daughter 

against  Adenauer.  He  was  accused  of  having  anti-German 
sentiments, wasting public funds and of being sympathetic 

of an influential Cologne family brought him into contact with local 

towards the Zionist movement. When in 1933, after the Nazis 

politicians, leading him to become active in politics as well. Taking 

had taken power, Adenauer refused to decorate the city with 

full advantage of his political talent, as a member of the catholic 

swastikas for a visit by Hitler, he was dismissed from office 

‘Zentrum’ party his career took flight and he became Mayor of 

and his bank accounts frozen. He was now jobless, homeless 

Cologne in 1917. This post included involvement in large projects 

and  without  income,  dependent  on  the  benevolence  of  his 

such as the building of the first ever highway in Germany between 

friends and the church. Although he lay low for the duration 

Cologne and Bonn, and he became known as a determined and 

of the war, he was nevertheless arrested on several occasions. 

decisive personality. Steering clear from the extreme political 

After  the  failed  assassination  attempt  on  Hitler  in  1944, 

convictions that attracted so many of his generation, Adenauer 

Adenauer was imprisoned in the notorious Gestapo prison in  

was committed to instilling diligence, order, Christian morals and 

Cologne Brauweiler. 

values into his fellow citizens.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
After the war, Adenauer was reinstated as Mayor of Cologne 

Contribution to European integration

by  the  Americans  but  removed  shortly  afterwards  by  the 

British, when Cologne was transferred into the British zone of 

Adenauer’s experiences during the Second World War made him 

occupation. This gave Adenauer the time to devote himself 

a political realist. His views on Germany’s role in Europe were 

to  the  setting  up  of  the  Christian  Democratic  Union  (CDU) 

strongly influenced by the two world wars and the century-long 

which he hoped would unify Protestant and Catholic Germans 

animosity between Germany and France. He therefore focused 

in one party. In 1949, he became the first Chancellor of the  

his attention on promoting the idea of pan-European cooperation. 

Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). Initially, it was 

thought that Adenauer would be Chancellor for only a short time, 

Adenauer was a great proponent of the European Coal and 

as he was already 73 years old by this time. However, despite 

Steel  Community,  which  was  launched  with  the  Schuman 

this belief, Adenauer (nicknamed ‘Der Alte’, or ‘The Elder’) went 

Declaration on 9 May 1950, and also the later treaty for the  

on to hold this position for the next 14 years, making him not 

European Economic Community in March 1957.

only the youngest ever mayor of Cologne, but also the oldest 

chancellor Germany has ever seen. Under his leadership, West 

Adenauer’s opinions on Europe were based on the idea that 

Germany became a stable democracy and achieved a lasting 

European unity was essential for lasting peace and stability. 

reconciliation with its neighbouring countries. He managed to 

For  this  reason  he  worked  tirelessly  for  the  reconciliation 

regain some sovereignty for West Germany, by integrating the 

of  Germany  with  its  former  enemies,  especially  France.  

country with the emerging Euro-Atlantic community (NATO and 

Later, in 1963, The Élysée Treaty, also known as the Treaty of 

the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation).

Friendship, set the seal on this reconciliation. With it, Germany 

and France established a firm foundation for relations that ended 

centuries of rivalry between them. 

As a result of his political talents, his determination, pragmatism 

and clear vision for the role of Germany in a united Europe, 

Adenauer ensured that Germany became, and remains to this 

day, a free and democratic society. This is now not only taken for 

granted, but also deeply integrated into modern German society.

Konrad  Adenauer  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  figures  in 

European history. European unity was to him not only about 
peace, but also a way of reintegrating post-Nazi Germany into 

international life. Europe as we know it today would not have 

been possible without the confidence he inspired in other European 

states by means of his consistent foreign policy. His achievements 

are still recognised by his fellow-Germans as, in 2003, they voted 

him ‘The greatest German of all time’.

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Adenauer shaking hands with French President Charles de Gaulle in 1961.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
Joseph Bech: how a small country can 
play a crucial role in European integration 

Joseph Bech was the Luxembourgish politician that helped set up the European Coal and 

Steel Community in the early 1950s and a leading architect behind European integration 

in the later 1950s.

It was a joint memorandum from the Benelux countries that led to the convening of the 

Messina Conference in June 1955, paving the way for the  

European Economic Community. 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Bech’s experience of living in Luxembourg during the two World Wars made him understand 

how powerless such a small state could be, isolated between two powerful neighbours. This 

led him to realise the importance of internationalism and cooperation between states if a 

stable and prosperous Europe were to be achieved. He helped to set up the Benelux union 

Joseph Bech 1887- 1975

between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, an experience which proved to be of great benefit when the European 

institutions were developed. The process of forming this union between the three small states has since been considered 

a prototype for the European Union itself.

Early life and rise through politics

Joseph  Bech  was  born  on  17  February  1887  in  Diekirch, 

union with Belgium, and later with the Netherlands. These were 

Luxembourg. He studied law in Fribourg in Switzerland and in 

essential efforts that contributed to the forming of the Benelux 

Paris, France. After graduation in 1914, he set up a law practice 

union during the Second World War. 

and, that same year, was elected to the Luxembourgian Chamber 
of Deputies for the newly-founded Christian Party.

In 1921 Bech became Minister of Internal Affairs and Education. 

The Second World War

In 1926 he became Prime Minister and Minister of External 

When Nazi Germany invaded Luxembourg on 10 May 1940,  

Affairs and Agriculture. It was during his period as Prime Minister 

Bech was forced into exile with a number of other ministers 

between 1926 and 1936 that the global financial crisis struck. 

and the Head of State, Grand Duchess Charlotte, forming a 

Bech understood the vital importance that exports play in a 

government-in-exile in London. It was in his capacity as Minister 

country’s economy. As Luxembourg’s main trading partner was 

of Foreign Affairs that he signed the Benelux Treaty in 1944.  

Germany, the country was very dependent on its neighbour.  

His experience in creating an economic union promoting the 

As a result Bech tried to limit Luxembourg’s economic dependence 

free movement of workers, capital, services, and goods in the 

on Germany as much as possible. It was in this attempt to expand 

region, would later prove useful in setting up the European 

markets for the Luxembourgish steel industry that he negotiated 
for the first time for closer economic cooperation and a customs 

Economic Community.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
Throughout his career Bech remained marked by the memory 

transport and energy, especially nuclear, and a general Common 

of the First World War and the crisis that followed wherein 

Market, with focus on the need for a common authority with real 

Luxembourg  was  in  danger  of  being  swallowed  up  by  its 

powers. On the basis of experience with the Benelux and the  

neighbours. This feeling of powerlessness led to his support 

Coal and Steel Community, the three Foreign Ministers proposed 

for strong internationalism.

a plan, that further developed on an idea put forward by Dutch 

Minister Beyen, which recommended economic cooperation as 

He  therefore  represented  Luxembourg  in  all  multilateral 

the way to achieve European unification. This ‘Spaak Report’, 

negotiations  during  and  after  the  Second  World  War,  and 

named after Belgian Minister Spaak, Chairman of the Committee 

encouraged his compatriots to accept the accession of the  

that had drafted it, became the basis for the Intergovernmental 

Grand Duchy in the international organisations that were created: 

Conference which drafted the treaties on a common market and 

Benelux in 1944, The United Nations in 1946 and NATO in 1949.

atomic energy cooperation, and which were signed in Rome on 

25 March 1957. 

The European Coal and Steel Community

In 1959, after having held this post since 1929, Bech gave 

up  the  portfolio  of  Foreign  Affairs.  From  1959  to  1964,  he  

On May 9 1950, Bech was the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg. 

chaired the House of Representatives before leaving the political 

Aware  of  the  need  for  his  country  to  bring  its  neighbours 

scene at the age of 77. He died 11 years later, in 1975. For his 

together through economic and political agreements, it was 

role in the unification of Europe, we now consider him one of the 

with enthusiasm that he welcomed the proposal put forward on 

founding fathers of the European Union. He provided an excellent 

that date by his French counterpart, Robert Schuman, to create a  

example of how a small country such as Luxembourg can play a 

European  Coal  and  Steel  Community.  He  knew  that  this 

crucial role on the international stage. 

would give Luxembourg the opportunities it needed and give 

the country a place and a voice in Europe. A further boost to 

Luxembourg’s standing in Europe was given when he managed 

to achieve that the headquarters of the High Authority of the  

Coal and Steel Community be located in Luxembourg.

As a next step, Bech supported the plans for a European Defence 

Community. They were rejected by France in 1954, but that was 

far from the end of European integration.

The Messina Conference

From  1  to  3  June  1955,  Joseph  Bech  chaired  the  

Messina Conference which later led to the Treaty of Rome, 

forming  the  European  Economic  Community.  The  focus  of 

this Conference was a memorandum submitted by the three 

Benelux countries, including Joseph Bech as the representative 

of Luxembourg. The memorandum combined French and Dutch 
plans offering both to undertake new activities in the fields of 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Bech with a cine-camera, enjoying a moment of relaxation at the Messina 
Conference in 1955.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
Johan Willem Beyen: a plan for a  
common market 

The international banker, businessman and politician Johan Willem Beyen was a Dutch 

politician who, with his ‘Beyen Plan’, breathed new life into the process of European 

integration in the mid-1950s.

Beyen is one of the lesser-known members of the group of Founding Fathers of the 

EU. Amongst the people who knew him he was admired for his charm, international 

orientation and social ease. 

In the Netherlands, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Beyen gave an important input to the 

European unification process. He was able to convince reluctant forces in the Netherlands, 

as well as in Europe, to accept European integration. His ‘Beyen Plan’ was a proposal for a 

o
t
o
h
P
d
a
t
s
e
n
r
a
a
p
S
/
f
e
h
c
r
A

i

l

a
a
n
o
i
t
a
N
©

Johan Willem Beyen 1897- 1976

customs union and far-reaching economic cooperation within a common European market. 

The essence of this was actually decided in the Rome Treaties in 1957 and has been at the core of the European Union 

ever since. 

Early life

Johan Willem (Wim) Beyen was born on 2 May 1897 in Utrecht 

he played an important role at the Bretton Woods Conference 

in the Netherlands. As the son of a wealthy family he had a 

where foundations were laid for a post-war international financial 

carefree childhood, enjoying an international upbringing with a 

structure. From 1946 he represented the Netherlands on the 

focus on literature and music. He began his career in national and 

board of the World Bank and from 1948 played the same role 

international finance after graduating in law at the University of 
Utrecht in 1918. His first post was at the Dutch Ministry of Finance, 

but in 1924 he moved into the corporate and banking world. 

at the International Monetary Fund.

He eventually became President of the Bank for International 

Minister of Foreign affairs

Settlements and Director of the British–Dutch consumer goods 

company Unilever. 

Second World War

Beyen was Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs during the years 

of reconstruction following the Second World War. During the 

war Beyen had become convinced that full regional economic 

cooperation was necessary to prevent a recurrence of the kind of 

financial crisis seen in the 1930s. Leaders throughout post-war 

During the Second World War Beyen worked in exile in London, 

Europe started to realise that the horrors of war and economic 

while his home country was occupied by Nazi Germany. In 1944

crises could only be overcome by international cooperation. 

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
 
Whilst some initiatives focused on pursuing this cooperation on 

and unemployment were not easily resolved at national level 

a global scale, Beyen believed that more could be achieved by 

and required a more international approach. Even though there 

regional cooperation. The first steps towards economic cooperation 

was reluctance and even some downright opposition within the  

were taken in 1948 with the Marshall Plan – the huge American 

Dutch government, he managed to put the plan forward both 

aid package to Europe which required the European countries 

during the negotiations on the European Defence Community 

to coordinate economic matters in the OECD. Following the 

and the discussions on the European Political Community in the 

Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, the European Coal and 

early 1950s.

Steel Community was created in 1952 with the aim of ultimately 

making wars in Europe impossible. 

a common market

He  initially  received  little  support,  especially  as  the  French 

government at the time was not interested in further economic 

integration.  However,  when  the  planned  European  Defence 

Community failed because the French parliament decided not 

to ratify the treaty, this changed. As there was to be neither the 

planned defence community nor a political community, an impasse 

arose. This brought the Beyen plan back into the limelight. The plan 

revolved around the concept that full economic cooperation was 

necessary, not just in the field of coal and steel but as a whole. 

The solution was therefore a common market for everything, along 

the lines of the cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands 

and Luxembourg created in the ‘Benelux’ agreement in 1944. 

The Benelux countries, under the guidance of Belgian Minister 

Paul-Henri Spaak, coupled Beyen’s ideas to a French plan for 

a Community for Atomic Energy and provided Beyen with the 

opportunity to outline his plans during the Messina Conference 

in 1955. He explained that political unity was not conceivable 

without a common market with some common responsibility for 

economic and social policy and a supranational authority. This 

resonated with the opinions of the other Conference participants. 
It led to six countries signing the Treaties of Rome in March 1957 

and creating the European Economic Community and Euratom. 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Beyen at the Messina Conference, where he introduced his plan for 
economic cooperation in Europe.

The Beyen plan

Beyen however saw the possibility of even greater cooperation 

between European nations. He realised that political integration 

at that time would have been hard to achieve and managed to 

Beyen’s role has often been overlooked in later years, but his 

persuade his national and international colleagues that further 

work contributed to the European integration process in the 

progress could be made with further economic cooperation, 

1950s and earns him a place amongst the prominent figures 

believing that political unification would follow. With this in mind, 

we  now  call  the  Founding  Fathers  of  the  European  Union.  

he drew up the Beyen Plan. With his experience in international 

He will long be remembered as the individual who gave fresh 

finance and banking he knew that issues like trade barriers 

impetus to the European project when it was most needed.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
Winston Churchill: calling for a United 
States of Europe 

Winston Churchill, a former army officer, war reporter and British Prime Minister (1940-45 

and 1951-55), was one of the first to call for the creation of a  

‘United States of Europe’. Following the Second World War, he was convinced that only 

a united Europe could guarantee peace. His aim was to eliminate the European ills of 

nationalism and war-mongering once and for all. 

I

S
B
R
O
C
/
n
o
s
&

l
l

e
s
s
u
R
.
J
©

He formulated his conclusions drawn from the lessons of history in his famous ‘Speech to 

the academic youth’ held at the University of Zurich in 1946: “There is a remedy which ... 

would in a few years make all Europe ... free and ... happy.  

It is to re-create the European family, or as much of it as we can, and to provide it with a 

structure under which it can dwell in peace, in safety and in freedom.  

Winston Churchill 1874 - 1965

We must build a kind of United States of Europe.”

Thus the driving force behind the anti-Hitler coalition became an active campaigner for Europe’s cause.

Winston Churchill also made a name for himself as a painter and writer: in 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for 

Literature.

Early life

political career

Winston Churchill was born on 30 November 1874 into the 

While serving in the British army, Churchill was also a newspaper 

aristocratic  Spencer-Churchill  family  of  the  noble  Dukes 

of  Marlborough,  but  his  mother  was  born  in  America.  After 
enjoying a privileged childhood, Churchill began his education 

correspondent. Whilst reporting on the Boer War in South Africa, 
he made headlines when he escaped from a prisoner of war 

camp there, returning to England in 1900 to embark on a political 

in 1888 at Harrow, a top London boys’ school. He did not prove 

career. He was elected to Parliament and served in different 

to be an outstanding student and school was not therefore  

Cabinets as Home Secretary and First Lord of the Admiralty 

something he enjoyed. 

(Minister  responsible  for  the  navy).  In  1915  he  was  forced 

to resign after the failure of a particular military campaign. 

On finishing school in 1893, it took him three attempts to pass 

He  decided  to  join  the  army  again  and  led  the  men  of  the 

the  entry  exam  for  Sandhurst,  the  Royal  Military  Academy.  

6th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers in the trenches of France.  

But after graduation he began a military career that, over the 

When  in  1917  a  new  government  was  formed  he  became 

next five years, saw him fight battles on three continents, win 

Minister of Munitions. In the years leading up to 1929, Churchill 

four medals and an Order of Merit, write five books and win a 

held all of the most important ministerial posts except that of  

seat in Parliament, all before his 26th birthday. 

Foreign Minister. 

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
 
In 1929, he became estranged from his party, the Conservatives. 

a ‘United States of Europe’

This is the start of a period in Churchill’s life known as the 

‘Wilderness Years’. He continued writing and became a very 

In 1946 Churchill delivered another famous speech, at the University 

productive and well published author of articles and books. 

of Zurich, in which he advocated a ‘United States of Europe’, urging 

Churchill was among the very first few people to recognise 

Europeans to turn their backs on the horrors of the past and look 

the  growing  threat  of  Hitler  long  before  the  outset  of  the  

to the future. He declared that Europe could not afford to drag 

Second World War and the first to voice his concerns. 

forward the hatred and revenge which sprung from the injuries of 

the past, and that the first step to recreate the ‘European family’ 

of justice, mercy and freedom was “to build a kind of United 

States of Europe. In this way only will hundreds of millions of 

toilers be able to regain the simple joys and hopes which make 

life worth living”. 

Council of Europe

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

With  this  plea  for  a  United  States  of  Europe,  Churchill  was 

one of the first to advocate European integration to prevent 

the atrocities of two world wars from ever happening again, 

calling for the creation of a Council of Europe as a first step. 

In  1948,  in  The  Hague,  800  delegates  from  all  European 

countries met, with Churchill as honorary president, at a grand  

Congress of Europe.

Churchill gives the ‘V’ for victory sign during a speech at the European 
Congress in The Hague in 1948.

Second World War

This led to the creation of the Council of Europe on 5 May 1949, 

In 1939, Churchill’s predictions became reality as the Second 

the first meeting of which was attended by Churchill himself.  

World War broke out. In 1940, he became Prime Minister and 

His call to action can be seen as propelling further integration as 

led Great Britain through the difficult war years, offering hope 

later agreed upon during the Messina Conference in 1955, which 

and determination to the British people with his inspirational 

led to the Treaty of Rome two years later. It was also Churchill who 

speeches. His staunch refusal to consider defeat or to bargain 

with the Nazis inspired British resistance, especially at the start 

of the war when Britain stood alone in its active opposition to 
Hitler. Nevertheless, he lost the elections after the end of the war.  

He did not, however, lose his ability to interpret correctly how 

would first moot the idea of a ‘European army’ designed to protect 
the continent and provide European diplomacy with some muscle. 

Furthermore, the European Court of Human Rights was created 

in 1959 — a decade after Churchill first championed the idea. 

future events would play out, as proven by his famous speech in 

Providing  the  inspiration  to  the  people  of  Europe  as  the 

Fulton, Missouri about the threat from the Soviet Communists, in 

binding factor in the allied fight against Nazism and fascism,  

which he coined the well-known expression about the ‘Iron Curtain’.

Winston Churchill consequently became a driving force behind 

European integration and an active fighter for its cause. 

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
alcide de Gasperi: an inspired mediator 
for democracy and freedom in Europe

From 1945 to 1953, in his roles as Italian Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, 

Alcide De Gasperi forged the path of the country’s destiny in the post-war years.

He was born in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige (South Tyrol) which, until 1918, belonged 

to Austria. Along with other exceptional statesmen of his time, he campaigned actively for 

European unity. His experiences of fascism and war — he was imprisoned between 1927 

and 1929 before finding asylum in the Vatican — led to his conviction that only the union 

of Europe could prevent their recurrence.

Time and time again he promoted initiatives aimed at the fusion of Western Europe, 

working on the realisation of the Marshall Plan and creating close economic ties with 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Alcide De Gasperi 1881 - 1954

other European countries, in particular France. Furthermore, he supported the  

Schuman Plan for the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community, and helped develop the idea of the 

common European defence policy.

Early life

Alcide De Gasperi was born on 3 April 1881. His father was 

Unione Politica Popolare del Trentino and was elected in 1911 

a  policeman  with  limited  means.  He  grew  up  in  the  Trento 

to represent Trentino in the Austrian House of Representatives.  

region which, at that time, was one of the Italian-speaking 

He used this position to campaign for the improvement of rights 

areas within the large multinational and multicultural grouping 

for the Italian minority.

of  nations  and  peoples  of  the  Austro-Hungarian  Empire.  
As there were no Italian universities that he could attend with 

a study grant, he went to Vienna in 1900 to study Philology.  

There he became active in the Catholic student movement.  

It was during these student years that he was able to hone 

First World War experiences and the 
‘idee ricostruttive’

the  mediating  skills  that  would  later  become  so  essential 

Although De Gasperi remained politically neutral during the 

during his politically active years. He was, for example, able 

First World War, he did however sympathise with the Vatican’s 

to understand that finding solutions to problems was more 

efforts to end the war. When the First World War ended in 1918,  

important than holding grudges and believed that substance 

De Gasperi’s home region became a part of Italy. One year 

was important, not form. When he graduated in 1905, he returned 

later, he co-founded the Italian People’s Party (Partito Popolare 

to Trentino where he became a reporter for the newspaper  

Italiano – PPI) and became one of their parliamentarians in 1921.  

La Voce Cattolica. At this time he also became politically active in the  

As  the  fascist  powers  in  the  Italian  government  under  

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
Mussolini’s leadership grew in strength, openly using violence 

(ECSC) a year later. He became the first President of the ECSC  

and intimidation against the PPI, the party was outlawed and 

Parliamentary  Assembly  in  1954.  And  although  the  project 

dissolved in 1926. De Gasperi himself was arrested in 1927  

ultimately failed, De Gasperi was a defendant and proponent of 

and sentenced to four years in prison. With the help of the Vatican 

the common European defence policy.

he was freed after 18 months. He was given asylum within the 

walls of the Vatican, where he worked for 14 years as a librarian. 

During the Second World War he wrote the ‘Idee ricostruttive’ (Ideas 

European Economic Community

for reconstruction) which would form the manifesto of the Christian 

Democratic Party, secretly founded in 1943. After the collapse of 

During  these  first  steps  towards  European  integration  

fascism, De Gasperi stood at the helm of the party and served as 

De Gasperi’s role has been described as that of a mediator 

Prime Minister from 1945 to 1953 in eight consecutive governments.  

between Germany and France, which had been divided by almost 

To this day, this record of political longevity in the history of Italian 

a century of war. During the final years of his life he was also 

democracy remains unsurpassed. 

role in European integration

an inspiring force behind the creation of the European Economic 

Community. Although he would not live to see this come to fruition 

- he died in August 1954 – his role was widely acknowledged 

when the treaties of Rome were signed in 1957. 

During  this  so-called  ‘De  Gasperi  era’  Italy  was  rebuilt  by 

His background, his wartime experiences, living under fascism 

establishing a republican Constitution, consolidating internal 

and being part of a minority made Alcide De Gasperi very much 

democracy  and  taking  the  first  steps  towards  economic 

aware that European unity was necessary to heal the wounds 

reconstruction. De Gasperi was an enthusiastic proponent of 

of two world wars and to help prevent the atrocities of the past 

international cooperation. As the man responsible for most 

from ever happening again. He was motivated by a clear vision 

of  Italy’s  post-war  reconstruction,  he  was  convinced  that 

of a Union of Europe that would not replace individual states, 

Italy  needed  to  restore  its  role  on  the  international  stage.  

but would allow for them to complement each other.

To this end he worked to set up the Council of Europe, persuaded 

Italy to be part of the American Marshall Plan and to join NATO.   

His strong cooperation with the United States took place at the 

same time as Italy had one of the largest communist parties in 

Western Europe.

democracy, agreement and freedom

De  Gasperi  believed  that  the  Second  World  War  taught  all 

Europeans the following lesson: “the future will not be built through 

force, nor the desire to conquer, but by the patient application of 

the democratic method, the constructive spirit of agreement, and 

by respect for freedom”. This is what he said when he accepted 

the Charlemagne prize for his pro-European commitment in 

1952. This vision explains his swift response to Robert Schuman’s 

call on  9  May 1950 for an integrated Europe, which  led  to 

the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community 

I

S
B
R
O
C
/
n
n
a
m

t
t
e
B
©

De Gasperi shaking hands with German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in 
1953 in Rome.  

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
Walter hallstein: a diplomatic force  
propelling swift European integration

Walter Hallstein was the first President of the European Commission from 1958 to 1967, 

a committed European and a decisive proponent of European integration.

As President of the European Commission, Hallstein worked towards a rapid realisation 

of the Common Market. His energetic enthusiasm and powers of persuasion furthered the 

cause of integration even beyond the period of his presidency. During his mandate, the 

integration advanced significantly.

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

The one-time Secretary of State in the German Foreign Ministry originally attained 

international recognition through the ‘Hallstein Doctrine’ of the 1950s, which shaped 

German foreign policy for years to come, and had at its core the linking of the young 

Walter Hallstein 1901 - 1982

democracy with western Europe.

Early life and wartime experiences

Walter Hallstein was born on 17 November 1901, the son of a 

be a guest lecturer there. As one of the first German scholars to 

Protestant building control officer in the south-western German 

be invited to an American university, his experiences in America 

city of Mainz. After graduating from the local grammar school, he 

strengthened  his  conviction  that  Germany  should  join  the 

studied Law and Political Science in Bonn, Berlin and Munich. In 

international initiatives aimed at strengthening the bond amongst 

1925 he graduated and started work as an assistant to a Professor 

democracies after the Second World War. Joining international 

at the University of Berlin. In 1927 he became an examiner at 

alliances such as the UN and NATO was, to him, pivotal in the 

the University of Rostock in northern Germany, qualifying as a 

return of Germany to the international stage.

lecturer there in 1929. One year later he was appointed as Chair 

of Private and Company law, a position he would hold for the next 

ten years, becoming an expert in his field, a respected scholar and 

European Coal and Steel Community

an internationally renowned university lecturer. He then became 

a Professor at the University of Frankfurt from where he was 

Hallstein’s  excellent  diplomatic  skills,  awareness  of  the 

drafted into the German armed forces in 1942, despite his hostility 

need for European unity and his specialised knowledge and 

towards Nazism. After the Allied invasion of 1944 Hallstein was 

experience in the field, led Konrad Adenauer, then Chancellor 

taken to a prisoner of war camp in the United States where he 

of Germany, to appoint him as head of the delegation leading 

set up a camp university of sorts to educate his fellow prisoners 
on the law and their rights. 

negotiations at the Schuman Conference on the forming of the  
European Coal and Steel Community in 1950. During this time he 

After the war he was appointed Vice-Chancellor at the University 

soon realised that they shared fundamental beliefs on the need for  

of Frankfurt and in 1948 was invited by Georgetown University to 

European integration if Europe were to prosper again. 

worked closely with Jean Monnet, his French counterpart. They both 

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
In 1951 Adenauer appointed Hallstein as State Secretary in 

legislation. As a proponent of a federal Europe with a strong 

the Federal Foreign Office where he was not only involved with 

Commission and Parliament (to prevent the Union from constantly 

the establishment of the ECSC, but also with an attempt to 

playing second fiddle to national governments) it is clear that he 

create a European Defence Community to unite the budget, 

had one aim for the European Community: the vision of a united 

forces and arms policies of the western European countries. 

Europe as laid down in the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950. 

He  was  also  involved  in  negotiations  with  Israel  over  the 

At this time, however, France’s President De Gaulle had another 

payment  of  reparations  to  the  Jewish  people  and  played 

conviction: where Hallstein thought that a federation was to be 

an  important  role  in  Germany’s  foreign  relations  strategy.  

sought, meaning ceding a large part of national capacities and 

What would later become known as the ‘Hallstein Doctrine’ of 

power to the Union, De Gaulle believed that Europe should take 

1955 was a strict policy agreement that West Germany would 

the confederate route, becoming a ‘Europe of States’, with more 

not enter into any diplomatic relations with states recognising 

powers remaining in the member states. A build-up of differences 

Eastern Germany (DDR).

The European Economic Community

To  Hallstein,  the  failure  to  create  the  European  Defence 

between the French government and the other member states 

over a number of issues pertaining to this fundamental difference 

of opinions, led to the ‘Empty Chair Crisis’ in 1965, when France 

withdrew all of its representatives from the European institutions 

for some time, before a compromise was reached. 

Community in 1954 posed a very large and real threat to security 

 Without Hallstein’s energetic enthusiasm, diplomatic negotiating 

in Germany and western Europe since it would be easier for 

skills and strong powers of persuasion, the speed of European 

the Soviet Union to extend its influence in a divided Europe. 

integration witnessed during his years in office would not have 

This led him to focus his energies on the economic integration 

been possible. 

process rather than the political one. Consequently, he became 

a staunch proponent of European unity through the forming 

of a European Economic Community. The first steps towards 

this economic integration enabling people, services and goods 

to travel freely were taken during the Messina Conference in 

1955. Although Hallstein initially wanted this integration to be  

all-encompassing and achieved as quickly as possible, the political 

realities of the time helped him to recognise that a gradual 

fusing together of the markets of the member states would be 

of maximum benefit to all. In 1958 the Treaty of Rome came 

into force and Hallstein was chosen as the first President of the 

Commission of the European Economic Community.

presidency of the Commission

Although by now Hallstein realised that integration would not 

become a reality as fast as he would have liked, as President 

of the Commission he became a driving force behind the swift 

integration process that would follow. For instance, during his term 

of office, the so-called ‘Hallstein period’, he began the consolidation 

of European law which was to have a great impact on national 

o
t
o
h
P
d
a
t
s
e
n
r
a
a
p
S
/
f
e
h
c
r
A

i

l

a
a
n
o
i
t
a
N
©

Hallstein as President of the European Commission speaking in the 
Netherlands in 1965.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
 
Sicco Mansholt: farmer, resistance  
fighter and a true European

Sicco Mansholt was a farmer, a member of the Dutch resistance during the Second World 
War, a national politician and the first European Commissioner responsible for Agriculture. 
Mansholt’s ideas laid the basis for the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, 
one of the most prominent policies since its founding days.

Having witnessed the horrors of the Dutch famine at the end of the Second World War, 
Mansholt was convinced that Europe needed to become self-sufficient and that a stable 
supply of affordable food should be guaranteed for all. 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

The most important element in Mansholt’s plan for the early Common Agricultural Policy 
was to encourage productivity in agriculture. The policy implied systems where farmers 
were guaranteed a certain minimum price for their products, providing incentives for 
them to produce more. His pro-European determination and strong vision for the future, 
coupled with a will to build on a shared future, identified him as a true European during 
his lifetime.

Sicco Mansholt 1908 - 1995

Early life 

Second World War

Sicco  Mansholt  was  born  on  13  September  1908  in  a  

During the war Mansholt was an active member of the Dutch 

socially-engaged family running a thriving farm in Groningen,  

resistance  against  the  Nazi-German  invaders.  In  the  early 

a northern province of The Netherlands. His father was an active 

years he hid people on his farm and disseminated intelligence 

member of the Dutch socialist party and an important adviser 

information, but later on he managed an extensive distribution 

to the party on agricultural matters. His mother, the daughter 

network that provided food to people in hiding throughout the 

of a judge, was one of the first Dutch women to study political 
science  at  university  and  held  frequent  political  gatherings 

western parts of the country. After the war, as a testament to his 
experience, courage and organisational skills, he was offered the 

for women. 

post of Minister of Agriculture, Fishery and Food Distribution in 

the new government. At 36 he became the youngest Minister in  

After high school Mansholt wanted to become a farmer, but having 

The Netherlands up to that point.

already paid for the farming lease for his brother, Mansholt’s father 

could not afford to pay for Sicco as well. Hoping nevertheless to 

carve out a career in agriculture, he went to the Dutch East Indies, 

restoring agriculture

now Indonesia, and began work on a tea plantation. He was however 

unable to get used to the colonial system there and moved back to 

Directly after the war, with a dire shortage of food and a crisis 

the Netherlands in 1936. A year later he managed to obtain a plot 

looming, Mansholt’s post was of the greatest importance. He took 

of land in the polder region of Wieringermeer, married, and lived 

a number of measures meant to restore food supplies quickly, 

the life of a farmer until the outbreak of the Second World War.

but at the same time he understood 

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
the  need  to  modernise  agriculture  more  profoundly  in 

that this common approach would threaten their livelihood 

order  to  avoid  future  shortages  and  guarantee  efficiency. 

and that only the large farms would be able to survive. There 

He  set  minimum  prices  for  the  most  important  agricultural 

were many obstacles to overcome on the way to agreeing a 

products combined with import taxes and support for exports.  

common European policy, but Mansholt persevered and in 1968 

To promote productivity, he promoted investments in research, 

the Commission published the “Memorandum on the reform 

education  and  the  merger  of  farms  into  bigger  and  more  

of  the  Common  Agricultural  Policy”,  otherwise  named  the  

efficient units.

“Mansholt Plan”. Basically, the Plan declared that for agriculture 

to flourish, farmers needed to modernise. This would guarantee 

productivity  and  enable  European  farmers  to  become  

a Common agricultural policy for Europe

self-sufficient.

Being a convinced European federalist, Mansholt dreamt of a 

The agricultural policy was very successful in meeting its initial 

common agricultural policy for Europe. In 1950 he developed a 

objective  of  making  Europe  more  self-sufficient  with  food  

plan for a common market for agricultural produce in Europe with 

products. However, in the 50 years of its existence it has undergone 

a supranational governing structure. However, this plan proved 

major changes in order to adapt to new times. By the 1970s the 

to be too ambitious for its time and failed. However, it was later 

policy had worked so well that there were often surpluses of farm 

revived and formed the inspiration behind the agricultural policy 

produce. During the 1970s, Mansholt became a staunch defender 

of the European Economic Community. 

of measures to protect the environment as a key element of 

agricultural policy. He was Vice-President of the Commission from 

After serving as a Minister for twelve and a half years, Mansholt 

1958 to 1972 and its fourth President from 1972 until 1973.

got his chance to launch his plans for a common policy when he 

became Commissioner for Agriculture in the very first European 

Mansholt’s aim was to prevent a recurrence of the dreadful winter 

Commission in 1958. The 1957 Treaty of Rome established the 

famine experienced by the people of Europe at the end of the 

European Economic Community and provided for a common 

Second World War. Mansholt’s Plan provided for the restoration of 

market  in  Europe  to  be  set  up  in  three  four-year  stages.  

Europe’s self-sufficiency and a flourishing of European agriculture 

This twelve-year plan was considered by many to be extremely 

in an unprecedented short space of time.

ambitious and likely to fail, especially the measures relating 

to the agricultural sector, given the high level of opposition to 

them. However, Mansholt remained optimistic and went to work.  

His plans were to agree on a combination of direct subsidy payments 

for crops and land which might be cultivated with price support 

mechanisms, including guaranteed minimum prices as well as 
tariffs and quotas on imports of certain goods from third countries.  

This would encourage better agricultural productivity so that 

consumers had a stable supply of affordable food and ensure 

that the EU had a viable agricultural sector.

The Mansholt plan

His plans initially met with a fair amount of opposition from 

farmers and their political representatives, who firmly believed 

As Commissioner for Agriculture and an enthusiastic farmer himself, 
Mansholt paved the way for the Common Agricultural Policy.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

 
 
Jean Monnet: the unifying force behind 
the birth of the European Union

The French political and economic adviser Jean Monnet dedicated himself to the cause of 

European integration. He was the inspiration behind the ‘Schuman Plan’, which foresaw 

the merger of west European heavy industry.

Monnet was from the Cognac region of France. When he left school at 16 he travelled 

internationally as a cognac dealer, later also as a banker. During both world wars he held 

high-level positions relating to the coordination of industrial production in France and the 

United Kingdom. 

As a top advisor to the French government he was the main inspiration behind the famous 

‘Schuman Declaration’ of 9 May 1950, which led to the creation of the European Coal 

and Steel Community and, as such, is considered to be the birth of the European Union. 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Jean Monnet 1888 - 1979

Between 1952 and 1955 he was the first president of its executive body.

Early life

Jean Omer Marie Gabriel Monnet was born on 9 November 

Having shown great professional aptitude during the war, at 

1888 in the city of Cognac, France. After finishing school at 16, 

the age of 31 he was named Deputy Secretary General of 

his father sent him to London to work for the family-run cognac 

the League of Nations upon its creation in 1919. When his 

trading business, having realised that his son’s extraordinary 

father died in 1923 he returned to Cognac and successfully 

interpersonal skills made him eminently suitable for a career in 

turned around the fortunes of the declining family business.  

international business. And indeed, from this early experience he 
travelled the world as a respected and successful businessman. 

First World War

Over the next few years, his experience in international finance 

also saw him become closely involved with the reorganisation 

of the national finances of various eastern European countries 

such as Romania and Poland, advising the Chinese government, 

assisting with the reorganisation of their railway network, and 

helping to set up a bank in San Francisco. 

His application to enrol in the military was turned down on 

health grounds in 1914. To be able to serve his country another 

way he contacted the French government with a proposal to 

Second World War

better coordinate war supplies with Britain. This proposal met 

with approval and the French President made him an economic 

At  the  beginning  of  the  Second  World  War,  Monnet  again 

intermediary between France and its allies. 

offered his services to his country and became President of  

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
a Franco-British committee set up to coordinate the combining of 

Schuman declaration

the two countries’ production capacities. He convinced the British 

and French leaders, Churchill and de Gaulle, to form a complete 

After his plan was accepted and executed he began to realise 

political union between the two countries to fight Nazism, but 

however that European reconstruction and integration were not 

the plan failed at the last moment. 

taking shape as quickly as he would have liked, and in the way 

Monnet plan

he believed to be right. Under growing international tensions, 

Monnet recognised that it was time to take real steps towards 

European unity and he and his team began work on the concept 

of a European Community. On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, 

Thereafter Monnet offered his services to the British government 

France’s  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  delivered  the  so-called 

who sent him to the United States to oversee the purchase of 

‘Schuman Declaration’ in the name of the French government. 

war supplies. Impressing American President Roosevelt, he soon 

This Declaration was instigated and prepared by Monnet and 

became one of his trusted advisers and urged him to expand the 

proposed to place all German-French production of coal and 

production capacity for military equipment in the United States 

steel under one High Authority. The idea behind this was that if 

even before the US entered the war. 

the production of these resources was shared by the two most 

In 1943, Monnet became a member of the French Committee of 

war. As the governments of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, 

National Liberation, the de facto French government in exile in 

Belgium and Luxembourg replied favourably, this declaration 

Algiers. It was at this time that he first became explicit about his 

laid the basis for the European Coal and Steel Community, the 

vision for a union of Europe to regain and retain peace. During a 

predecessor to the European Economic Community and subsequent 

powerful countries on the continent, it would prevent any future 

meeting of this committee on 5 August 1943, Monnet declared: 

European Union.

“There will be no peace in Europe, if the states are reconstituted 

on the basis of national sovereignty... The countries of Europe 

After the failure in 1954 to create a ‘European Defence Community’, 

are too small to guarantee their peoples the necessary prosperity 

Monnet founded the ‘Action Committee for the United States of 

and social development. The European states must constitute 

Europe’. This committee was set up to revive the spirit of European 

themselves into a federation...” In 1944 he took charge of the 

integration and became one of the main driving forces behind 

national modernisation and development plan aimed at reviving 

many of the developments in European integration such as the 

the French economy and rebuilding the country after the war. 

creation of the Common Market, the European Monetary System, 

the summits in the European Council and election to the European 

Parliament by universal suffrage. 

Despite finishing formal education at the age of 16 and against 
all odds, Jean Monnet became a man of many roles: international 

businessman, financier, diplomat and statesman. However, he 

was never elected to any public office and therefore never had 

the formal political power to enforce his views. It was through 

his gift of argument and persuasion that he convinced European 

leaders to work towards common interests and to understand 

the benefits of cooperation.

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Jean Monnet starts the first production of cast iron under the European 
Coal and Steel Community.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
robert Schuman: the architect of the  
European integration project

The statesman Robert Schuman, a qualified lawyer and French foreign minister between 

1948 and 1952, is regarded as one of the founding fathers of European unity.

Schuman was born in Luxembourg and was influenced by his background in the  

French-German border region. Despite, or maybe as a result of his experiences in Nazi 

Germany, he recognised that only a lasting reconciliation with Germany could form the 

basis for a united Europe. Deported to Germany in 1940, he joined the French Resistance 

upon fleeing two years later. In spite of this, he showed no resentment when, following the 

war, he became foreign minister. 

In cooperation with Jean Monnet he drew up the internationally renowned Schuman Plan, 

which he published on 9 May 1950, the date now regarded as the birth of the European 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Robert Schuman 1886 - 1963

Union. He proposed joint control of coal and steel production, the most important materials for the armaments industry. 

The basic idea was that whoever did not have control over coal and steel production would not be able to fight a war.

Schuman informed the German chancellor Adenauer of the plan, who immediately recognised the opportunity for a 

peaceful Europe and agreed. Shortly afterwards, the governments of Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands 

also reacted. The six states signed the agreement for the European Coal and Steel Community in Paris in April 1951. In 

this way, Europe began as a peace initiative.

Schuman also supported the formation of a common European defence policy, and held the post of President of the 

European Parliament from 1958 to 1960. 

Early life

Robert Schuman had a truly European background: born on  

and Strasbourg, and received a law degree with the highest 

29 June 1886 in Luxembourg, his father was a Frenchman who 

distinction from Strasbourg University. After graduation, he set 

became German when the region he lived in was annexed by 

up his own law practice in Metz in 1912. Two years later the First 

Germany, whilst his mother was Luxembourgish. Schuman himself, 

World War broke out. Schuman was excused from military service 

however, was born a German citizen. When in 1919, after the First 

on medical grounds. When the war ended he became active in 

World War, the region of Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France, 

he became French. 

politics, starting his career in public service as a member of the 
French Parliament for the Moselle region. 

Before the war he studied law, economics, political philosophy, 
theology and statistics at the Universities of Bonn, Munich, Berlin 

When  the  Second  World  War  began  Schuman  was  a  junior 

minister  in  the  French  government.  He  became  active  in  

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
the French resistance during the war and was taken prisoner.  

His speech did not fall on deaf ears, as German Chancellor 

Narrowly escaping deportation to the Dachau concentration 

Adenauer responded swiftly with a positive reply as did the 

camp,  he  fled  to  the  ‘free’  zone  of  France  where  he  went 

governments of the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg. 

into hiding after the Nazis invaded the zone. In hiding, with 

Within one year, on 18 April 1951, the six founding members 

a  100  000  Reichsmark  reward  on  his  head,  he  defied  the 

signed the Treaty of Paris. It created the European Coal and 

Germans for the next three years. He declined the invitation of  

Steel  Community  -  Europe’s  first  supranational  Community.  

French leader-in-exile de Gaulle to go to London, preferring instead 

This  ground-breaking  organisation  paved  the  way  for  the  

to stay with his compatriots in Nazi-occupied France. 

European  Economic  Community  and  subsequently  the  

European Union, which is still run by the innovative type of 

After the war he returned to national politics in a series of top-level 

European institutions conceived in 1950.

posts: firstly as Minister of Finance, as Prime Minister in 1947, 

Foreign Minister from 1948-1952 and again as Minister of Finance 

However, his efforts did not stop there. He became a great 

from 1955-56. He became a key negotiator of major treaties 

proponent of further integration through a European Defence 

and initiatives such as the Council of Europe, the Marshall Plan 

Community and in 1958 he became the first President of the 

and NATO: all initiatives aimed at increased cooperation within 

predecessor to the current European Parliament. When he left 

the western alliance and to unite Europe. But what Schuman 

office the Parliament bestowed on him the title of ‘Father of 

became most known for is what is now called the ‘Schuman 

Europe’. Because of the significance of his ‘Schuman Declaration’ 

Declaration’ in which he proposed to Germany and the rest of 

on 9 May 1950, this day has been designated as ‘Europe Day’. 

the European countries to work together towards a merger of 

And, in honour of his pioneering work towards a united Europe, 

their economic interests. He was convinced that when these 

the district housing the headquarters of several European Union 

were tied together, it would render war ‘not merely unthinkable, 

institutions in Brussels is named after him. 

but materially impossible’.

The Schuman declaration

In a speech delivered on 9 May 1950, inspired and for the 

most part drafted by Jean Monnet, Schuman proposed to place  

Franco-German production of coal and steel under one common 

High Authority. This organisation would be open to participation 

to other European countries. 

This cooperation was to be designed in such a way as to create 
common interests between European countries which would lead 

to gradual political integration, a condition for the pacification of 

relations between them: “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”. 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Schuman giving his famous speech on 9 May 1950, the day that is now 
celebrated as the EU’s birthday.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
paul–henri Spaak: a European visionary 
and talented persuader

‘A European statesman’ – Belgian Paul-Henri Spaak’s long political career fully merits  

this title.

o
t
o
h
P
d
a
t
s
e
n
r
a
a
p
S
/
f
e
h
c
r
A

i

l

a
a
n
o
i
t
a
N
©

Lying about his age, he was accepted into the Belgian Army during the First World War, 

and consequently spent two years as a German prisoner of war. During the Second World 

War, now as foreign minister, he attempted in vain to preserve Belgium’s neutrality. 

Together with the government he went into exile, first to Paris, and later to London.

After the liberation of Belgium, Spaak served both as Foreign Minister and as Prime 

Minister. Even during the Second World War, he had formulated plans for a merger of the 

Benelux countries, and directly after the war he campaigned for the unification of Europe, 

supporting the European Coal and Steel Community and a European defence community.

Paul-Henri Spaak 1899 - 1972

For Spaak, uniting countries through binding treaty obligations was the most effective means of guaranteeing peace and 

stability. He was able to help achieve these aims as president of the first full meeting of the  

United Nations (1946) and as Secretary General of NATO (1957-61).

Spaak was a leading figure in formulating the content of the Treaty of Rome. At the ‘Messina Conference’ in 1955, the six 

participating governments appointed him president of the working committee that prepared the Treaty.

rise through Belgian politics

Born on 25 January 1899 in Schaerbeek, Belgium, Paul-Henri Spaak 

Germans and spent the next two years imprisoned in a war camp. 

was brought up in a prominent politically active Belgian family. 

After the war, Spaak studied law. At this time, he also developed 

His grandfather, Paul Janson, was a distinguished member of the 

a love of sport, even playing for the Belgian tennis team in the 

Liberal Party whilst his socialist mother, Marie Janson, became 

1922 Davis Cup tournament. 

the first woman in the Belgian Senate. He also had an uncle in 

politics, Paul-Emile Janson, who was Prime Minister of Belgium 

After receiving his degree, Spaak entered a law practice in Brussels. 

in the late 1930s.

In 1920 he became a member of the Socialist Belgian Labour 

Party. He made a swift rise through national politics to become 

Spaak  joined  the  Belgian  army  during  the  First  World  War,  

Belgium’s Prime Minister in 1938. During the Second World War 

after lying about his age. However, he was soon captured by the

he was Foreign Minister in the Belgian government-in-exile  

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
 
in London. When he returned to Brussels in 1944, he served in 

of the preparation of a report on the creation of this common 

post-war governments both as Foreign and Prime Minister. In 

European market. During the Messina Conference the three Benelux 

1945 Spaak rose to international prominence on his election 

states proposed a relaunch of European integration to come about 

as Chairman of the first session of the General Assembly of the 

on the basis of a common market and integration in the sectors 

United Nations. In 1956 he was chosen by the Council of the North 

of transport and atomic energy. This ‘Spaak Report’ was the basis 

Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to be its Secretary General. 

of the Intergovernmental Conference on the Common Market 

Contribution to Europe

and Euratom in 1956, and led to the Treaties of Rome, signed on  

25 March 1957, establishing a European Economic Community 

in 1958. Spaak signed the treaty for Belgium. 

Spaak was famous for his talented rhetoric: he was someone 

Throughout his political life, Spaak always defended the importance 

who was able to make people listen, and he possessed the art of 

of European integration and the independence of the European 

persuasion. These talents, combined with his vision of European 

Commission with great vigour: “The Europe of tomorrow must 

cooperation, made him one of the greatest contributors to the 
project of European integration. 

Forming the Benelux

be a supranational Europe,” he stated to rebuff French President 

de Gaulle’s 1962 ‘Fouchet Plan’, attempting to block both the 

British entry to the European Communities and undermine their 

supranational foundation. The European unity Spaak envisaged 

was mostly economic. The Belgian statesman desired political 

unification but not on the basis of the Common Market countries 

Although  most  of  Europe  was  in  ruins  after  the  Second  

alone. He was therefore against any further actions until economic 

World War, Spaak saw an opportunity to make Europe a strong 

integration of Britain into the union had taken place. He retired 

continent again through economic and political cooperation.  

from politics in 1966 and died in Brussels in 1972.

The war made it clear in his mind that working together towards 

a common goal was far more productive than fighting each other. 

Spaak was one of the men we now consider as a Founding Father 

of the EU because he saw the potential in unifying post-war 

Europe. A testament to this is the forming of the Benelux in 1944. 

While Spaak worked from London, on the continent the war was 

running its destructive course. But, together with his colleagues 

from the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Spaak was working on a 

completely new and highly ambitious project. In 1944, the Benelux 

was born: the customs union between Belgium, the Netherlands 

and Luxembourg. It was a simple idea, but never seen or done 

before. Within the borders of the three countries, free traffic of 

money, people, services and goods would be guaranteed: an 

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Spaak signing a European treaty on behalf of Belgium in 1965.

inspiration for further European integration.

a staunch European

The Messina Conference

Spaak has been written into the history books as the driving force 

behind European integration. Even before the actual start of any 
European economic and political cooperation, he believed in the 

In 1955, the Messina Conference of European leaders chose Spaak 

European project. He was a staunch European and looked beyond 

as chairman of a committee (the Spaak Committee) in charge 

the borders of his own country. 

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
altiero Spinelli: an unrelenting federalist

The Italian politician Altiero Spinelli was one of the fathers of the European Union. He 

was the leading figure behind the European Parliament’s proposal for a Treaty on a 

federal European Union - the so-called ‘Spinelli Plan’. This was adopted in 1984 by an 

overwhelming majority in the Parliament and provided an important inspiration for the 

strengthening of the EU Treaties in the 1980s and ‘90s.

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Altiero Spinelli 1907 - 1986

As a 17-year old, Spinelli joined the Communist Party, as a consequence of which he 

was imprisoned by the Italian fascist regime between 1927 and 1943. At the end of the 

Second World War, he established the Federalist Movement in Italy.

In his role as advisor to personalities such as De Gasperi, Spaak and Monnet, he worked 

for European unification. A trained juror, he also furthered the European cause in the 

academic field, and created the Institute for International Affairs in Rome.

As a member of the European Commission he took over the area of internal policy from 1970 to 1976.  

For three years he served as a Member of the Italian Parliament for the Communist Party before being elected to the 

European Parliament in 1979.

Early life

Altiero Spinelli was born in Rome on 31 August 1907 into a socialist 

held captive on the small island of Ventotene that his Federalist 

family. He became politically active in the Italian Communist 
Party at a very early age. In 1926, as a result of his activities 

ideas began to take shape. He became increasingly convinced 
that a European-wide movement towards federalism would help 

within the Communist Party, he was arrested and convicted by 

to counteract the destructive force of nationalism.

Mussolini’s Fascist Special Tribunal and sentenced to 16 years 

and 8 months’ detention. Ten of these years were spent in prison 

and a further six in confinement. Throughout all of this time he 

The Ventotene Manifesto 

refused to renounce his ideals and repent, even though this would 

have resulted in a pardon. Whilst in prison he studied fervently 

During his time on Ventotene, Spinelli read the works of several 

and became a passionate advocate of supranational integration. 

federalist theorists. Inspired by their thoughts and ideas he 

He criticised some of the Communist Party’s political positions. 

drew up, together with other political prisoners, the Ventotene 

His disillusionment with the Party and the insights he had gained 

Manifesto in which he set out the focus of his federalist vision 

during his studies led to him abandoning the Communists and 

and the future of Europe. This Manifesto is one of the first 

joining the Federalist cause. It was during the period that he was 

documents arguing for a European constitution. Initially called  

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

n
E

 
 
‘Towards a Free and United Europe’, the manifesto states that any 

The Spinelli plan

victory over fascist powers would be useless, if it led to nothing 

more than establishing another version of the old European system 

On 14 February 1984, the European Parliament adopted his 

of sovereign nation-states, but just in different alliances. This 

proposal with an overwhelming majority and approved the ‘Draft 

would only lead to another world war. The manifesto proposed 

Treaty Establishing the European Union’, the so-called ‘Spinelli Plan’. 

the formation of a supranational European federation of states, 

Although national parliaments failed to endorse the treaty, the 

the primary goal of which was to connect European states to such 

document did provide a basis for the Single European Act of 

an extent that it would be impossible to enter into war ever again.

1986 which opened up the national borders for the common 

The Federalist Movement 

market, and for the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 forming the 

European Union. Spinelli’s enthusiasm convinced French President 

Mitterrand to promote the reversal of French hostility towards 

anything other than an intergovernmental approach to Europe.  

After his release from confinement in 1943, his writings served 

This provided the momentum in a number of European governments 

as  the  programme  for  the  Movimento  Federalista  Europeo 

to propel the European integration process further.

(Federalist Movement of Europe) which he created the same 

year. Throughout the rest of the 1940s and ‘50s, Spinelli became 

Although not all of his ambitious ideas became reality, Altiero 

a staunch advocate of the Federalist cause of a united Europe. 

Spinelli relentlessly pursued his goal of a European supranational 

During this period he criticised the lack of progress in attempts to 

government to prevent further wars and to join the countries of 

achieve European integration. He believed that intergovernmental 

this continent into a united Europe. His thoughts inspired many 

cooperation with full national sovereignty in organisations like 

changes in the European Union, in particular major increases of 

the OECD and the Council of Europe was not sufficient. For this 

powers to the European Parliament. And the Federalist movement 

reason, he was steadfastly committed to further integration. For 

still holds regular meetings on the tiny island of Ventotene. Altiero 

instance, as political adviser to the then Italian Prime Minister, 

Spinelli died in 1986 and the main building of the European 

Alcide de Gasperi, he persuaded him to push for the forming of 

Parliament in Brussels is named after him.

a European Defence Community, although it ultimately failed, 

much to Spinelli’s disappointment.

The Crocodile Club

During  the  1960s,  Spinelli  was  a  government  adviser  and 

researcher, established the Institute of International Affairs in 

Rome, and was a member of the European Commission from 

1970 until 1976. In 1979 he was elected as a Member of the 

European Parliament. As an MEP he once again seized the chance 

to promote his Federalist vision of Europe. In 1980, together 

with other Federalist-minded MEPs, he founded ‘The Crocodile 

Club’, named after the restaurant in Strasbourg they frequented.  

The Crocodile Club wanted a new European treaty. The members 

tabled a motion for the Parliament to set up a special committee 

to draft a proposal for a new treaty on the European Union, to be 

anything but in name a constitution of Europe.

i

n
o
n
U
n
a
e
p
o
r
u
E
©

Spinelli in the European Parliament, shortly after it adopted his plan for a 
federal Europe in 1984.

The Founding Fathers 
of the EU

 
 
TH E

 F O U N D I N G

 F A T H E R S

 O F

 T H E

  E U

N
A
-
3
2
-
1
3
-
0
6
8
-
E
N
-
C

The founding fathers of the EU

Over half a century ago a number of visionary leaders 

inspired the creation of the European Union we live in 

today. Without their energy and motivation we would 

not be living in the sphere of peace and stability that 

we take for granted. From resistance fighters to 

lawyers, the founding fathers were a diverse group of 

people who held the same ideals: a peaceful, united 

and prosperous Europe. This collection tells the story 

behind 11 of the EU’s founding fathers. Many others 

have worked tirelessly towards and inspired the 

European project. 

Konrad adenauer
Joseph Bech
Johan Willem Beyen
Winston Churchill
alcide de Gasperi 
Walter hallstein
Sicco Mansholt
Jean Monnet
robert Schuman
paul-henri Spaak 
altiero Spinelli 

Find out more

 X The official website on the EU’s history, where you can see videos of the founding fathers and much more: 

http://europa.eu/about-eu/eu-history/index_en.htm

 X Questions about the European Union? Europe direct can help:  

00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 http://europedirect.europa.eu

doi:10.2775/98747