Jean Monnet

Jean Omer Marie Gabriel Monnet (November 9, 1888 – March 16, 1979) is regarded by many as the architect of European Unity. Never elected to public office, Monnet worked behind the scenes of American and European governments as a well-connected pragmatic internationalist.

European Coal and Steel Community

Following liberation, Monnet proposed a "global plan for modernization and economic development" to the French government.

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Appointed Planning Commissioner by de Gaulle, he oversaw the revitalization of the French economy.

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It was from this position that, in 1949, Monnet realized that the friction between Germany and France for control of the Ruhr, the important coal and steel region, was rising to dangerous levels, presaging a possible return to hostilities as had happened after the First World War.

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Monnet and his associates conceived the idea of a European Community.

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On 9 May 1950, with the agreement of Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of West Germany, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Schuman made a declaration in the name of the French government. This declaration, prepared by Monnet for Schuman, proposed integration of the French and German coal and steel industries under joint control, a so-called High Authority, and open to the other countries of Europe. Schuman declared:

Related Topics:
9 May - 1950 - Konrad Adenauer - West Germany - Robert Schuman - Declaration

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"Through the consolidation of basic production and the institution of a new High Authority, whose decisions will bind France, Germany and the other countries that join, this proposal represents the first concrete step towards a European federation, imperative for the preservation of peace." http://europa.eu.int/abc/symbols/9-may/decl_en.htm

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Shortly thereafter, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands responded favorably, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was born.

Related Topics:
Italy - Belgium - Luxembourg - Netherlands - European Coal and Steel Community

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Britain was invited to participate, but it refused on grounds of national sovereignty.

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In 1952, Jean Monnet became the first president of the High Authority. In 1953 Monnet was awarded the Karlspreis by the city of Aachen in recognition of his achievements.

Related Topics:
Karlspreis - Aachen

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