Today Europe celebrates the life and times of one of history’s most ardent European constructors. With first-hand experience of war, resistance and activism – Maurice appreciated better than most, the great success the European project is as a bringer of peace to our continent.

As the French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1956-1958), he laid the cornerstones of the European Community, in the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, Euratom and was the last surviving signatory of the Treaty of Rome.

Maurice took over the helm of the European Movement International from Robert Schuman in 1961, and brought the Movement to new heights throughout his eight years as President.

Jo Leinen MEP, President of the European Movement International commented that ‘the thoughts and thanks of a grateful continent are with Maurice’s family and friends in this difficult time’.

European Movement Spain remembers Maurice Faure:
Spanish democracy and Spaniards in general have profound reasons to thank Maurice Faure, whose sudden passing very much saddens us. It was 52 years ago, during his presidency, that the 4th Congress of the European Movement took place in Munich. On the occasion of this congress, 138 Spaniards from Spain, or in exile at that moment, were especially invited and put forward proposals for the anticipated integration of Spain into the growing European Communities. We Spaniards unanimously approved a text, which laid the democratic requirements and the specific roadmap for such objective: a text that was ahead of its time and could be implemented 14 years later, after the dictatorship of Franco and during the famous “Transicíon”.
The pressures of the dictatorship, through diplomatic channels and with the support of some advocates, for the rejection or concealment of the text by the EMI, were upset by Faure’s signature, who postponed its reading until the closing session. This triggered the approval of the text by those in attendance in the middle of a highly emotional session. The retaliation by the Franco regime on the Spanish participants to the congress was vigorously criticised by the EMI and Mr Faure himself. May this great European citizen rest in peace.

• Carlos María Bru Purón, Former President of the European Movement.
• Fernando Alvarez de Miranda and José Federico de Carvajal, 4th European Movement Congress participants.
• Eugenio Nasarre de Goicoechea, Current President of the European Movement Spain.