Walter Hallstein, German academic and politician, 1st President of the European Commission (b. 1901)

Walter Hallstein (November 17, 1901 – March 29, 1982) stands as a monumental figure in the annals of European history, a distinguished German academic, diplomat, and statesman. He is widely celebrated as the inaugural President of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) and is rightfully acknowledged as one of the veritable founding fathers of the European Union. His journey, however, was as complex as the continent he helped unify.

Early Life, Academic Career, and Wartime Experiences

Born into a rapidly industrializing Germany, Hallstein embarked on his academic path during the vibrant, albeit turbulent, years of the Weimar Republic in the 1920s. His brilliance quickly shone through, leading him to become Germany's youngest law professor at the remarkably early age of 29 in 1930. The rise of the Nazi Party saw a significant shift in the German academic landscape. Hallstein, having been appointed professor at the University of Frankfurt by the Nazi Party, continued his academic work during this era. As World War II engulfed Europe, he served his country as a First Lieutenant in the German Army, stationed in France. The fortunes of war turned against him in 1944 when he was captured by American troops. He spent the remainder of the conflict as a prisoner-of-war in the United States, an experience that surprisingly fostered a unique intellectual environment. During his internment, Hallstein famously organized a "camp university" for his fellow soldiers, a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and intellectual discourse, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.

Shaping Post-War Germany and European Diplomacy

With the war's conclusion, Hallstein returned to a devastated Germany, resuming his illustrious academic career. His leadership qualities were immediately recognized, leading to his appointment as rector of the University of Frankfurt in 1946. His academic influence extended beyond Germany's borders, as he spent a year as a visiting professor at Georgetown University in the United States from 1948, fostering crucial transatlantic ties in the early Cold War period. By 1950, Hallstein transitioned into a diplomatic career, quickly ascending to become the leading civil servant at the German Foreign Office. It was in this pivotal role that he lent his name to one of the most significant foreign policy doctrines of the era: the Hallstein Doctrine. This West German policy, a cornerstone of its Cold War strategy, dictated that the Federal Republic of Germany would not establish or maintain diplomatic relations with any state (except the Soviet Union) that officially recognized East Germany (the German Democratic Republic). The doctrine aimed to diplomatically isolate East Germany, asserting West Germany's sole claim to represent the entire German nation on the international stage. This period showcased Hallstein's formidable intellect and strategic acumen in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

A Founding Father of European Integration: The EEC Presidency

A passionate and articulate advocate for a federal Europe, Walter Hallstein played an instrumental role, first in shaping West German foreign policy, and subsequently in spearheading the ambitious project of European integration. He was one of the key architects behind the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to make war between historical rivals like France and Germany "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible." His vision culminated in his selection as the very first President of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to today's European Union. He held this profoundly influential office from 1958 to 1967, a crucial period for the nascent European project. For decades, Hallstein remained the only German to be selected as president of the European Commission or any of its predecessors, a testament to his unique standing, until the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen in 2019. Hallstein famously articulated his role as "a kind of European prime minister," reflecting his strong belief in the executive power and supranational authority of the Commission. He was equally forthright in his dismissal of national sovereignty as a "doctrine of yesteryear," emphasizing his deep conviction in a unified, federal Europe where member states pooled their sovereignty for common good. His tenure, however, was not without its challenges, most notably culminating in a significant clash with the President of France, Charles de Gaulle, over the powers of the Commission and the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy, an episode often referred to as the "empty chair crisis" that tested the very foundations of the EEC.

Later Career and Enduring Legacy

Following his influential but ultimately contentious tenure as EEC Commission President, Hallstein returned to the domestic political arena in Germany, serving as a respected member of the Bundestag. Simultaneously, his commitment to the broader European project remained undiminished; he served as President of the European Movement from 1968 to 1974, continuing to champion the cause of a united continent. Throughout his life, Hallstein was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books, articles, and speeches that delved deeply into the complexities of European integration and the developing European Communities. His intellectual contributions and tireless advocacy ensured his place as a seminal figure whose ideas and actions continue to shape the very fabric of the European Union. His legacy is etched into the institutions he helped build and the principles of cooperation he so ardently defended, making him an enduring symbol of post-war European reconciliation and integration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Walter Hallstein

Who was Walter Hallstein?
Walter Hallstein was a distinguished German academic, diplomat, and statesman, most famously known as the first President of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) and one of the founding fathers of the European Union.
What was his main contribution to the creation of the European Union?
Hallstein was instrumental in the early stages of European integration. He helped design the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and served as the first President of the EEC Commission from 1958 to 1967, setting many precedents for the future European executive and advocating strongly for a federal Europe.
What was the Hallstein Doctrine?
The Hallstein Doctrine was a key foreign policy stance of West Germany during the Cold War, established while Hallstein was the leading civil servant at the German Foreign Office. It stipulated that West Germany would cut diplomatic ties with any country (excluding the Soviet Union) that formally recognized East Germany, aiming to diplomatically isolate East Germany.
What was Walter Hallstein's connection to the Nazi Party?
Walter Hallstein was appointed professor at the University of Frankfurt by the Nazi Party in the 1930s. He served as a First Lieutenant in the German Army during World War II, a period that underscores the complex political realities faced by many Germans of his generation.
When did he serve as President of the EEC Commission?
Walter Hallstein served as the first President of the Commission of the European Economic Community from 1958 to 1967.