The Federal Republic joins the European Council

© parser Cartoon on the occasion of the Federal Republic's joining of the European Council: The French Marianne carries the amputated „leg“ Saarland after the German Michel into the European Council

On 13 July 1950 the Federal Republic of Germany joins the European Council. This intergovernmental organisation has been founded in Strasbourg the previous year by ten European nations. Their goals include „preserving the common European heritage“ and promoting economic and social progress in the member nations. Initially the Federal Republic can enjoy only associate member status since it did not yet have sovereignty in its external affairs, a result of the allied Statute of Occupation. In less than a year, on 2 May 1951, the Federal Republic will become a full member of the European Council.