The Symbolic Beginning of the Union and in Steel

The first European steel bar is cast at the foundry during an official ceremony at the Belval steelworks in Esch-sur-Alzette, near Luxembourg, by Jean Monnet, President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This ceremony, attended by the nine members of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community, as well as the international press, symbolized the opening of a single steel market for five of the six Community members, which collectively produce approximately 41 million tons annually. Italy temporarily retained its tariffs.