Speaker Robert Schuman on the laureate:

‘Luxembourg not only asked for the recognition of its old rights but also wanted to take its place among the European countries when these went about re-constructing a new Europe. […] They were for the Coal and Steel Community from the very beginning. At the same time they secured their country with high council seats, then they advocated for the common market, EURATOM and the plan for combined defense. All of this attained special meaning through the reconciliation with previous enemies. Constant and trusting cooperation took the place of mistrust and intermittent enmity.’