75 Years On: Can Schuman’s Vision Still Inspire Europe’s Economy?
On 8 July 2025, SME Europe, in cooperation with the Association Parlementaire Européenne (APE) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, organized a high-level discussion in Strasbourg to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Held at the headquarters of APE, the event brought together prominent political figures, economic experts, and civil society representatives to examine whether Schuman’s vision can still offer strategic direction for Europe’s economic future.
Seventy-five years ago, Robert Schuman launched a bold idea: lasting peace through economic cooperation. That idea became the foundation of the European Union. As the EU marks this milestone, it faces mounting geopolitical and economic challenges – raising the question: Is Schuman’s vision still relevant?I
Herbert Dorfmann MEP, opened the event by noting that global multilateralism is weakening. Schuman’s strength, he said, lay in creating shared institutions that fostered real cooperation – an approach that remains vital.
Jean-Dominique Giuliani, President of the Robert Schuman Foundation, echoed this. Schuman’s “solidarity of facts” was never utopian – it was practical and results-driven. But it requires continuous political will to function.
Economic Strength through Openness
Iuliu Winkler MEP, warned against growing protectionism, especially in light of shifting U.S. trade policies. To stay competitive, the EU must complete its internal market and remain a stable, rules-based economic player.
Fabienne Keller MEP, emphasized strategic restraint and investment in workers, fair competition, and long-term industrial development. True resilience, she argued, lies in empowering citizens – not shielding markets.
Winkler also defended the EU–Mercosur trade deal, arguing that it benefits European farmers and exemplifies a balanced, standards-based trade policy.
A European Defence Union?
Markus Ferber MEP, proposed applying Schuman’s model to security policy. With Russia’s war in Ukraine highlighting vulnerabilities, he advocated for joint EU defence efforts – shared budgets, procurement, and R&D – to strengthen autonomy and efficiency.
Ferber also called for the inclusion of neutral EU members in defence funding and urged the creation of a common defence fund. “If we want peace, we must be able to defend ourselves, and we can only do that together,” he said.
Funding Europe’s Ambitions
The EU’s budget – just 1% of GDP – falls short of matching its goals. Speakers called for new EU-wide revenues and possibly strategic borrowing to invest in defence, infrastructure, and green transformation. Cross-border transport and military mobility were seen as key priorities.
Social Cohesion Still Matters
Keller reminded participants that Schuman’s vision aimed not just at markets, but at people. Programmes like Erasmus and cultural projects were highlighted as vital tools for unity and civic trust.
Conclusion: A Vision to Renew
Schuman’s vision remains a powerful guide – but it is unfinished. Europe must now adapt it to meet 21st-century challenges. That means stronger institutions, smarter investment, and a renewed commitment to unity through cooperation. Schuman offered not a final blueprint, but a method. It is up to today’s leaders to carry it forward.
