In part of the history books and in the popular imagination they are the “fathers” of European unity. They are statesmen who were the first to pursue, with realism and deep convictions, the
Treaty instituting the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Signed: Paris, 18 April 1951. Entry into force: 23 July 1952. Signatories: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg. Objective:
1949 – The Council of Europe is born. It’s not an institution of the European Community, but is to be considered the “first step” towards continental integration. There were ten founder