” I’ve always believed that Europe would be built out of crises, and that it would be the sum of the solutions to these crises. But these solutions had to be proposed and implemented. “.
This quotation from Jean Monnet’s Memoirs illustrates the astonishing timeliness of the political testament of a man who, while being involved in resolving most of the major crises of the 20th century, set Europe on the path to union. We rediscover the mainsprings of an exceptional destiny: unshakeable determination and a formidable method of action.
Unpublished forewords by Emmanuel MACRON and Ursula VON DER LEYEN – Afterword by Eric ROUSSEL
When the Memoirs were published in 1976, the historical movement towards ever closer integration between European nations was self-evident. Since then, despite the undeniable progress made by the European Community – which has since become the Union – the European project no longer enjoys unanimous support. And yet, when the nations of Europe are faced with crises, as we saw with the Covid-19 pandemic or the Ukrainian conflict, it is to the Union that they turn for solutions. In every crisis, the need for closer union naturally arises.
This new edition is aimed primarily at the younger generation, who are wondering where the Europe bequeathed to them by the founding fathers came from and what it can achieve. It is also aimed at decision-makers and all those seeking effective action towards greater union, peace and prosperity.