Jean Monnet

Abstract

Jean Monnet (1888-1979) is regarded as the founding father of the European Union (EU). A technocrat who was never a member of a political party, he played a key role in providing the intellectual stimulus behind European integration after the Second World War. And while he is best remembered for his contribution to creating the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which was the forerunner of the EU, his interests were varied. He made an important contribution in the world of finance as well as public service and played a key role in influencing United States (US) policy towards Europe during and after the Second World War.