Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, informs the Assembly of his proposal for a treaty signed by seven participatory countries placing all coal and steel companies under a common authority. This authority (the future ECSC – European Coal and Steel Community) would be independent and act as a single market. It would safeguard all the interests of all the associated countries and foster “fair and healthy” competition. This authority would have no political function but would have political repercussions likely to affect the countries' social and economic situations.

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