On the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the death of Robert Schuman, it is important to reflect on his contributions to the European idea. His presence at the Hague Congress in 1948 marked the beginning of his collaboration with The European Movement. Serving as our President between 1955 and1961, Schuman continued to work for a united Europe. His famous words from the 9^th of May 1950, “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity,” still echo in the struggles facing the European Union today. Robert Schuman was a great statesman who knew with conviction that the wars of the past were not inevitable. His key role as a founding father of the European Union came about due to his capacities both as a statesman and as a promoter of an active civil society. We here at the EMI are proud of the milestones achieved, but know that the task is not yet completed. On this day, Robert Schuman’s unfulfilled ideas about the capacity of Europeans to work for a united Europe should be remembered and should inspire us to continue the fight.

Diogo Pinto, EMI Secretary General

Brussels, 4 September 2013