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Why did Belgium join the European Coal and Steel Community?

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Belgium’s decision to join the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1952 was part of a broader postwar policy focused on the country's role in new supranational organizations.12

The ECSC was established following the Schuman Plan, which aimed to integrate the coal and steel industries of Western Europe under an independent authority. The primary motivation behind this initiative was the belief that creating a shared economic and political framework was essential to prevent future conflicts between France and West Germany, while simultaneously working toward the ultimate objective of European unity.34

By joining the ECSC, Belgium committed to abolishing customs barriers and discriminatory practices regarding the trade of coal and steel, thereby fostering economic integration among the member states. This participation aligned with Belgium's active engagement in other postwar international structures, such as the Benelux Economic Union and NATO.3412