Video: How coal and steel paved the way for the EU we know today

The European Union we all know right this moment was solid on coal and metal – within the nearly literal sense of the expression.

Within the early Nineteen Fifties, the continent was desperately trying to find a assure to forestall a brand new armed battle. After struggling the devastation and bloodshed of two world wars, Europe knew it couldn’t afford a 3rd one.

Robert Schuman, who was then France’s overseas affairs minister, had a stunning concept: France and West Germany, two long-time rivals, ought to mix their coal and metal productions.

By merging these industries, which had been important to wage struggle, a confrontation would develop into “materially not possible” and pave the way in which for a peaceable and united Europe.

“Europe won’t be made abruptly, or in line with a single plan. It is going to be constructed via concrete achievements which first create a de-facto solidarity,” Schuman stated in Might 1950.

Nearly a 12 months later, the European Coal and Metal Neighborhood (ECSC) was established by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The six international locations step by step constructed a joint, seamless market on coal and metal the place customized duties and subsidies had been abolished, whereas cartels and mergers had been topic to widespread guidelines.

However the neighborhood’s biggest achievement was not financial however moderately political: the ECSC helped launched the novel idea of supranationalism, the inspiration of the EU we all know right this moment.

Watch the video above to be taught extra concerning the European Coal and Metal Neighborhood.