Jean Rey (1902-1983)

Doctor of law Jean Rey

Doctor of law Jean Rey (1902-1983) starts his career as a barrister at the Court of Appeal in Liege. The Walloon issue is close to his heart and he enters political life by joining the Liberal Party. In 1936 he fiercely opposes the policy of neutrality of the Belgian government and king Leopold III. In 1945, on his return from five years of captivity in Germany, Rey joints the Walloon National Congress in Liege where he supports the federal standpoint. He is one of the authors of a bill on the organisation of a federal state. The members of Parliament, however, refuse to consider this proposal. Jean Rey then becomes a front leader of the Walloon government. As Minister of Reconstruction and Minister for Economic Affairs during the fifties, he also participates in debates about educational issues.

European affairs

The involvement of Jean Rey in European affairs during this same period includes the consolidation of the Benelux, the development of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the negotiations that will lead to the founding of the ECC and the Euratom Treaty (the European Commission for Atomic Energy).
During the sixties Jean Rey increasingly devotes his attention to the structure of Europe, first as a member of the European Commission (1958-1967), and subsequently as its first Chairman (1967-1970).
Jean Rey made deep impression by his resolute and constructive approach. Everyone regards Jean Rey as one of the founding fathers of Europe.
Issue: Belgium 30 September 2002

More information

Stamps of Belgium
Postage Stamps 2002