The Schuman Declaration was a proposal made by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950. It aimed to create a unified approach to coal and steel production in Europe, which was crucial for rebuilding after World War II. This initiative sought to prevent future conflicts by promoting economic cooperation among European nations. The declaration led to the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, which included six founding countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. This cooperation laid the groundwork for further European integration, eventually leading to the formation of the European Union.