Schuman's Europe : his frame of reference

Krijtenburg, Margriet (2012)

Dissertatie

Schuman’s Europe: His frame of reference provides an insight into the way European unification was envisioned by its founding father Robert Schuman. The thesis makes clear why Schuman can be considered the main architect of European unification because of his thoughts, his personality, his religious background as a practicing catholic and his origins from the region of Alsace-Lorraine. A comparison with several contemporary thinkers shows the uniqueness of Schuman’s thoughts regarding European unification. It explains that Schuman considered the European spiritual and cultural heritage to be the raison d’être of European unification and that this implies effective solidarity beyond frontiers. Schuman’s aim for European unification was peace and security, which should be achieved by political unification through economic integration at the service of the citizen and be consistent with the moral order based in Christianity. Schuman’s method of integration was one of small steps, taking into account the human psyche. He therefore believed that the process of unification would take several generations. According to Schuman the national interests needed to be safeguarded as much as possible, unless they go against the common European interests.

• Schuman
• Schuman plan
• Supranationality
• Solidarity
• European integration
• European heritage
• Catholicism
• Moral order
• Christianity
• Alsace Lorraine

• All authors: Krijtenburg, Margriet
• Date: 2012-09-11