Every year, on 9th May, we celebrate peace and unity in Europe.
The Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950. It proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, whose members would pool coal and steel production.
The ECSC (founding members: France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) was the first of a series of supranational European institutions that would ultimately become today’s “European Union”.
Historical context
In 1950, the nations of Europe were still struggling to overcome the devastation wrought by World War II, which had ended 5 years earlier.
Determined to prevent another such terrible war, European governments concluded that pooling coal and steel production would – in the words of the Declaration – make war between historic rivals France and Germany “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible”.
It was thought – correctly – that merging of economic interests would help raise standards of living and be the first step towards a more united Europe. Membership of the ECSC was open to other countries.
Key quotes from the declaration:
- “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.”
- “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 pooling of coal and steel production… will change the destinies of those regions which have long been devoted to the manufacture of munitions of war, of which they have been the most constant victims.”
EU institutions celebrate Europe Day
To celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions, always open their doors to the public in early May in Brussels and Strasbourg. Local EU offices in Europe and all over the world organise a variety of activities and events for all ages.
Each year thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts and other events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.
However, Europe Day in 2020, is different, so the EU institutions want to pay tribute through numerous online activities to the many Europeans who, in a spirit of solidarity, are helping our Union get through the coronavirus crisis. You will find here an impressive and heart-warming set of testimonials as well as updated information on the EU’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
The Plan for Somerset Loves Europe
Somerset Loves Europe is building new teams, so that we can represent the interests of people and businesses in Somerset.
We want the UK to have the closest relationship possible with the European Union.
The UK has left the European Union and if wide coverage of the trade negotiations between the UK Government and the European Union is anything to go by, it does seem very likely that the UK will face export tariffs on exports to the European Union. This will hurt British exports to the nearest and most lucrative market for the UK.
We are changing from direct campaigning to regular publications on Byline Times and local press and posting regular blogs on our website.
Therefore, we want to build the following teams:
- A Research Team
- A Press Team
- An Education Team
- A Networking Team, to collaborate with other regional groups.
If you feel you could contribute a little of your time and join one of these teams, we would love to hear from you – please contact Paul Adams on paul@somersetloveseurope.org.uk or 07719 702 588