The declaration was presented by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950, and it is often considered to be the beginning of the European Union (EU).
The key points of the Schuman Declaration were as follows:
* The pooling of coal and steel production in France and Germany under a common High Authority.
* The creation of a single market for coal and steel, with the abolition of tariffs and other barriers to trade.
* The establishment of a common external tariff for coal and steel.
* The creation of a common investment fund for the development of the coal and steel industries.
* The establishment of a European Court of Justice to settle disputes.
The Schuman Declaration was a major turning point in the history of European integration. It laid the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which was established in 1951. The ECSC was the first of the European Communities, and it played a key role in the development of the EU.
The Schuman Declaration is still considered to be a landmark document in the history of European integration. It is a testament to the vision and determination of the European leaders who were committed to creating a more united Europe.