Back in 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was founded to pool steel and coal resources and prevent another European war. It served as the basis for the development of the European Economic Community, the subsequent European Community and today?s European Union.

The irony is that Europe is again at loggerheads, precisely over energy and steel. The sectors are being shaken by massive takeover battles and a revival of nationalism, undermining the ideals of a single market and renewed efforts to forge a common energy policy.