European Union

In 1958, Robert Schuman was elected president of the European Parliamentary Assembly, predecessor to the European Parliament. This French politician, who was particularly sensitive to the tensions between France and Germany, is regarded as one of the ‘founding fathers’ of what is now the European Union. After the Second World War, he supported the establishment of the Council of Europe and helped to bring many other European projects to fruition.

With his declaration of 9 May 1950, considered the founding act of the European integration process, Robert Schuman assumed political responsibility for a common coal and steel market that would later become the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The declaration underlines the role of France in building a strong, prosperous and peaceful Europe, starting with France and Germany. Going far beyond mere objectives, the declaration also sets out the precise basis upon which the negotiations should begin.

Robert Schuman was president of the European Parliamentary Assembly from 1958 to 1960. This institution was the political institution par excellence of the Communities: at once a democratic organ representing the peoples of Europe, a body invested with the power of executive scrutiny, and a unifying element between the three Communities.

Highly influenced by Christian values, Robert Schuman campaigned to build a strong and united Europe step by step, and to establish institutionalised solidarity between European countries. Robert Schuman’s legacy continues to influence and shape the European Union to this day.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Robert Schuman‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about France hoping for energy policy ‘resynchronisation’ with Merz’s Germany, Putin and Fico set to hold talks for the second time in five months, and so much more.

The EU says it supports smallholders, yet the EUDR and CSDDD, including recent proposed changes, tell a different story. To tackle deforestation and promote corporate sustainability, the EU must support small oil palm farmers, reports the Palm Oil Barometer 2025.

Braun will be prosecuted in connection with an incident, when he used a fire extinguisher to put out Hanukkah candles in the Polish parliament.

Fico will be one of just two European leaders attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

An unsettling start for the Merz government resurrects doubts about Berlin as the EU's stable political centre.

Last month's power cut has the opposition calling for fresh debate on a planned nuclear phase-out.

Germany's relationship with Poland remains beset by grievances linked to the war.

No concrete decisions are expected when EU ministers gather in Warsaw and Lviv, as efforts to expand military aid fizzle.

Belgium’s breast cancer patients are often left without reimbursed treatments, exposing a growing gap between precision oncology's promise and policy reality.

Swedish researchers are joining a chorus of international voices expressing deep concern that US policy changes are impacting medical advances and interventions.

Metsola has considered legal action against the Commission for invoking an emergency clause to bypass Parliament oversight.

Merz’s nuclear-friendly vision is seen as an opportunity in Paris.

The question remains on whether it will support amendments proposed by other far-right groups.

Perhaps most depressing for Merz is that his epic fail all but confirmed he doesn’t have what it takes – something his nemesis Angela Merkel proved decades ago.

The Finnish government slammed the decision as “unjustified” and said it was considering turning to the EU’s top court.

The €650 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility has "limited focus on results, no information on actual costs, [and] it is not clear what we got for the money,” the European Court of Auditors said.

The 2024 annual report of Hungary’s Integrity Authority (IH) reveals systemic shortcomings in how the government and state institutions manage European Union funds.

Merz had become the first designated chancellor not to be confirmed by the Bundestag in the first ballot.

The package aims to force Trump to end his trade war if ongoing talks fail.