How Did Paneuropa Originate?

The Paneuropean Movement traces its origins to the Austrian philosopher Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi. After World War I, he analyzed the situation in Europe: the continent was fragmented into small states. Revanchism, protectionism, nationalism, and new totalitarian ideologies dominated the scene. Wars broke out between several states.

Europe was threatened with domination by non-European powers. To secure peace and preserve Europe’s independence, Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi developed the Paneuropean Idea. On November 15, 1922, he published his influential article “Paneuropa. A Proposal.” This was followed by a book, the first Paneuropean Congress, and ultimately an international movement. The Euro, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the Court of Justice of the European Union are significantly shaped by Coudenhove-Kalergi’s thinking and the efforts of the Paneuropean Movement.

To this day, the Paneuropean Movement remains one of the largest European organizations. It advocates for the completion of European unification, transcending party and national borders.