9.1 Early steps towards European integration (ECSC, Euratom)

After World War II, European nations sought ways to prevent future conflicts. The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) emerged in 1951 as a groundbreaking step towards economic integration, pooling coal and steel resources among six founding members.

The ECSC introduced supranationalism, giving authority to a High Authority over member states. Its success paved the way for further integration, including Euratom for nuclear energy cooperation and the European Economic Community, expanding the common market beyond coal and steel.

Founding of the ECSC

Origins and Key Figures of the ECSC

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• European Coal and Steel Community established in 1951 as first step towards European economic integration
• Jean Monnet developed the concept of pooling coal and steel resources to prevent future conflicts
• Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, championed Monnet's idea and presented it to the public
• Schuman Declaration announced on May 9, 1950 proposed creation of the ECSC
• Six founding members joined ECSC (France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)

Principles and Structure of the ECSC

• Supranationalism introduced as governing principle giving ECSC authority over member states
• High Authority established as executive body to manage coal and steel industries
• Common market created for coal and steel eliminating trade barriers between member states
• ECSC Treaty signed in Paris on April 18, 1951 and came into force on July 23, 1952
• Successful implementation of ECSC led to discussions for further European integration

Expanding European Integration

Formation of Euratom and Benelux

• European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) founded in 1957 to promote peaceful use of nuclear energy
• Euratom Treaty signed alongside Treaty of Rome establishing European Economic Community
• Benelux economic union formed in 1944 by Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg
• Benelux served as model for broader European integration removing trade barriers between members
• Customs union within Benelux fully implemented by 1948 preceding larger European initiatives

Franco-German Reconciliation and Further Integration

• Franco-German cooperation became cornerstone of European integration process
• Élysée Treaty signed in 1963 by Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer formalizing Franco-German friendship
• Regular meetings between French and German leaders established to coordinate policies
• European Economic Community (EEC) founded in 1957 to create common market beyond coal and steel
• Treaties of Rome signed in 1957 establishing EEC and Euratom expanding scope of European integration