Pioneers

The following visionary leaders inspired the creation of the European Union we live in today. Without their energy and motivation, we would not be living in the sphere of peace and stability that we take for granted.

From resistance fighters to lawyers and parliamentarians, the EU pioneers were a diverse group of people who held the same ideals: a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe.

Beyond the pioneers described below, many others have worked tirelessly towards and inspired the European project. This section on the EU’s pioneers is therefore a work in progress.

Eu pioneers

From resistance fighters and Holocaust survivors to politicians and even a movie star, the visionary leaders described in this section inspired the Europe that we know today.

Many of them worked to end the horrors of two world wars and to promote peace and solidarity. They were champions of the fundamental values upon which the EU is founded:

• freedom, democracy and equality

• respect for human dignity, human rights and the rule of law

• solidarity and protection for all

They helped develop the systems that led to economic stability and the euro and they championed Europe’s rich cultural history and linguistic diversity. This section celebrates their contributions to modern-day Europe. Thanks to their courage and commitment, modern-day Europe is a region of peace and stability.

Alcide De Gasperi, the Italian Prime Minister who mediated between Germany and France as part of post-war European integration.

Anna Lindh, the Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister and human rights advocate who supported the process of European integration.

And other like Jean Monnet, Joseph Bech, Louise Weiss, Marga Klompe.