Johan Willem "Wim" Beyen was a Dutch politician and diplomat of Liberal signature and businessman. Beyen played an important role in the creation of the European Economic Community and is regarded as one of the Founding fathers of the European Union.
Johan Beyen in 1955
Founding fathers of the European Union
The founding fathers of the European Union are men who are considered to be major contributors to European unity and the development of what is now the European Union. The number and list of the founding fathers of the EU varies depending on the source. In a publication from 2013 the European Union listed 11 men. All but one were from the Inner Six of the European Union.
The monument "Homage to the Founding Fathers of Europe" in front of Robert Schuman's house in Scy-Chazelles by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli, unveiled 20 October 2012. The statues represent the four founders of Europe – Alcide De Gasperi, Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet and Konrad Adenauer.
Image: Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild F078072 0004, Konrad Adenauer
Image: Joseph Bech (detail)
Image: Johan Beyen 1955 (1)