European Union of Federalists: A History of the Struggle for a United Europe
In the wake of the devastation caused by two world wars, a vision emerged to reshape the continent not through national competition, but through unity. The European Union of Federalists (UEF) was born from the conviction that only a European Federation—built on the principle of unity in diversity—could permanently prevent future conflict and safeguard human rights and democratic freedoms.
The Foundation of the UEF
The road to the UEF began with two pivotal conferences in 1946. The first took place in September in Hertenstein (Weggis, Switzerland), bringing together 78 representatives from federalist movements across 16 European countries. This was followed by a second meeting in Luxembourg in October 1946. These gatherings established a shared declaration-programme, emphasizing that a common effort by European citizens was the only way to ensure a peaceful and democratic future.
During the Luxembourg meeting, the groups agreed to establish permanent secretariats in Paris and New York City to coordinate global federalist efforts. The UEF was officially brought to life on December 15 and 16, 1946, in Paris, designed to intensify the activities of various movements and organize them into a cohesive federal structure.
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Defining Principles and Early Leadership
From August 27 to 31, 1947, the UEF held its founding Congress in Montreux, Switzerland. This event was critical in defining the principles of federalism (a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units) and setting clear objectives for European unification. The organization's early direction was shaped by key leaders including Alexandre Marc, Denis de Rougemont, Altiero Spinelli, and Henri Frenay.
Political Campaigns and Strategic Evolution
The UEF played a significant role in the 1948 Congress of Europe in The Hague, collaborating with Winston Churchill's United Europe Movement. While the UEF's ideas were in the minority at the time, the organization remains a part of the resulting European Movement International today.
One of the UEF's most ambitious early efforts was the campaign for the European Federal Pact. This initiative sought to transform the Advisory Assembly of the Council of Europe into a Constituent Assembly for a European Federation. To achieve this, the UEF utilized a massive petition signed by thousands of citizens and prominent figures from the scientific, intellectual, and political spheres. Additionally, the UEF campaigned for the establishment of a political community and the ratification of the European Defence Community (EDC).
Internal Conflict and Reunification
The rejection of the EDC project triggered a strategic divide within the UEF. Two primary schools of thought emerged:
- The Constitutional Approach: Led by Altiero Spinelli, this group advocated for a direct constitutional shift and viewed a mere common market as insufficient.
- The Step-by-Step Approach: This group supported incremental progress, including the development of the common market.
This ideological clash led to a split in July 1956, dividing the UEF into two separate entities: the Mouvement Fédéraliste Européen (MFE) and the Action Européenne Fédéraliste (AEF). However, as the customs union evolved toward an economic and monetary union, both groups recognized the need to reunite. In April 1973, they merged once again to form the recreated UEF, centering their joint platform on the campaign for direct elections to the European Parliament.
Mass Mobilization and Modern Era
The UEF became known for organizing large-scale public demonstrations to influence European policy. Notable events included:
- Rome (December 1975): A demonstration coinciding with the European Council where it was decided to proceed with European elections.
- Strasbourg (July 17, 1979): A gathering of 5,000 people to mark the first session of the elected European Parliament.
- Fontainebleau (June 25, 1984): A demonstration during the European Council.
- Milan (June 28-29, 1985): The largest demonstration in federalist history, with 100,000 participants.
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty, the UEF shifted its focus toward the "Campaign for European Democracy." This included advocating for the removal of border controls, strengthening the European Commission and Parliament, and ending the governmental monopoly over the constituent function. More recently, the UEF organized a significant campaign for the Federal European Constitution in Nice, attracting 10,000 participants.
Key Facts
- Founded: December 1946 in Paris.
- Core Philosophy: Unity in diversity to prevent war and protect human rights.
- Major Split: Divided in 1956 into MFE and AEF before reuniting in 1973.
- Record Event: A 100,000-person demonstration in Milan in 1985.
- Key Goal: Transformation of the European Union into a democratic federation.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Conferences in Hertenstein & Luxembourg | Foundational meetings of federalist movements. |
| 1947 | Montreux Congress | Defined principles of federalism and unification goals. |
| 1956 | Organizational Split | Division between constitutional and step-by-step approaches. |
| 1973 | Reunification | Re-establishment of UEF to campaign for direct elections. |
| 1985 | Milan Demonstration | Largest popular federalist mobilization (100,000 people). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of the UEF at its founding?
The UEF was founded to create a European Federation based on unity in diversity, which the founders believed was the only way to prevent the recurrence of the suffering and destruction seen in the two world wars.
Who were the most influential early leaders of the movement?
Key early leaders included Altiero Spinelli, Alexandre Marc, Henri Frenay, and Denis de Rougemont.
Why did the UEF split in 1956?
The split occurred due to a strategic disagreement: one group (led by Altiero Spinelli) favored a constitutional approach to unification, while another preferred a gradual, step-by-step approach that supported the common market.
What was the significance of the Milan demonstration in 1985?
With 100,000 participants, the Milan demonstration stands as the largest popular demonstration in the history of the federalist struggle.
How did the UEF react to the Maastricht Treaty and the end of the Cold War?
The UEF launched a campaign for European Democracy, focusing on eliminating border controls, strengthening the roles of the European Parliament and Commission, and expanding majority voting.