Today, in Luxembourg, the birthplace of Robert Schuman, we celebrate the historic declaration of 9 May 1950, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today.
Seventy-five years ago, in a continent that was re-emerging from the devastation of the Second World War, visionary leaders decided to pool the production and markets for coal and steel to ensure lasting peace in Europe. Their simple yet ground-breaking endeavour – to replace historic rivalry with shared sovereignty, through economic and political integration – paved the way for an era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.
Over time, more and more countries decided to join a common European project, testifying to the appeal of shared values, democracy and unity among the peoples of our continent.
Today, our work towards peace in Europe, the very essence of the Schuman declaration, is not finished. Europe is once again facing major challenges. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has brought war to our doorstep. Global tensions are on the rise. Climate change is affecting the lives of millions of people in Europe and around the world.
We reaffirm our deep commitment to a European project that unites our peoples, as well as to enlargement as the European Union’s best geopolitical investment. We are redoubling our efforts to ensure continued economic prosperity, enhanced economic competitiveness and social progress for European citizens. We are taking unprecedented steps to strengthen our security and defence and our strategic autonomy. We are determined to uphold a rules-based international order, to strengthen multilateralism and to act as a reliable global partner.
Europe is master of its own destiny. We support Ukraine in all its efforts towards a just and lasting peace. The spirit of the Schuman Declaration lives on. It will continue guiding us as we join forces to ensure peace, prosperity, solidarity, and cooperation in Europe.
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