Seventy-five years ago, on 9 May, the Schuman Declaration, or Schuman Plan was presented, which later led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, one of the cornerstones of European integration. Otto von Habsburg welcomed this step at the time. He had a good personal relationship with Robert Schumann – as we discussed on the occasion of the 70th anniversary – and shared his goals for the future of the old continent.
In 1964, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg designated 5 May as Europe Day, marking the 25th anniversary of the Council’s founding. There is a gap of only a few days between this date and 9 May, the anniversary of the Schuman Plan, which was also declared Europe Day 40 years ago by a decision of the European Council. Otto von Habsburg commemorates both days in an article published half a century ago in the Vorarlberger Nachrichten. The article includes the following excerpt:
“For years, 5 May has been celebrated as Europe Day. This is due to a decision by the Council of Europe, which sought a date that would reflect both old traditions and modern developments. The date is also close to 9 May, when, 25 years ago, Robert Schuman made his historic declaration, which marked the beginning of the Coal and Steel Community. Such commemorative days are sometimes used only for nice ceremonies, or rather, they are misused. However, the primary aim – especially with a task as great as the creation of a united Europe – should be to look back and forward, to take stock and to draw up plans.”
Otto von Habsburg’s call 50 years ago for an honest review of Europe’s past in order to move forward together in the future has perhaps never been more relevant than today, 75 years after the Schuman Declaration, at a time when we are facing a wide range of challenges and trials.
Gergely Fejérdy
