In Paris that day, against the background of the threat of a Third World War engulfing the whole of Europe, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman read to the international press a declaration calling on France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production, creating a Europe united around the principles of freedom and solidarity.

What he proposed was the creation of a supranational European Institution, charged with the management of the coal and steel industry, the very sector which was the basis of all military power. The countries which he called upon had almost destroyed each other in a dreadful conflict which had left after it a sense of material and moral desolation. That is why during the Milan Summit of EU leaders in 1985 it was decided to celebrate 9th May as "Europe Day".

The European Union plays a vital role in our everyday lives, from the air we breathe and the water we drink and bathe in, to the cleanliness of our beaches and the price of flights and mobile phone calls.

It demonstrates sovereign nations stronger working together than acting apart, on issues such as the environment and the single market.

However, deficiencies are still numerous and there are evident imperfections, including high levels of bureaucracy and waste.


With all its faults, the delivery of post-war peace, economic prosperity, stability and security are just some of what is now known as the European Union's great successes.

And membership makes us stronger as a nation in addressing new threats and challenges like organised crime, terrorism, climate change and the current global economic recession.



Yours etc
Alex Orr
Bryson Road
Edinburgh