Schuman Declaration

On May 9, 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the Europe Day celebrations in New Delhi, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration—a foundational moment in the creation of the European Union (EU). The event highlighted the strengthening strategic and economic ties between India and the European Union.

What Is Europe Day?

• Europe Day, celebrated every May 9, marks the 1950 Schuman Declaration by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman.
• The declaration proposed pooling coal and steel production between France and Germany, laying the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
• This cooperation ultimately evolved into the European Union, symbolizing peace, unity, and economic integration in post-war Europe.
• 2025 marks 75 years since that visionary proposal.

India-EU Relations: A Strengthening Partnership

In his remarks, Dr. Jaishankar:

• Praised the depth of India-EU cooperation, highlighting it as “strategically important and mutually beneficial.”
• Recalled the landmark visit in February 2025 of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with the EU College of Commissioners.
  • This visit marked a turning point in India-EU relations, fostering progress on:
    • Trade and investment talks (India-EU FTA negotiations)
    • Climate and green energy collaboration
    • Digital connectivity and data governance
    • Geopolitical coordination in the Indo-Pacific and beyond