Altiero Spinelli (23 August 1907 – 25 May 1986) was an Italian politician, journalist, and political theorist known for his advocacy of European integration. He is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the European Union and a principal author of the Ventotene Manifesto, a seminal document calling for a federated Europe.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Rome, Italy, to a family with liberal and republican traditions.
- Studied law at the University of Rome, graduating in 1930.
Anti‑Fascist Activity and Imprisonment
- Opposed Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, joining underground socialist and liberal groups.
- In 1935, arrested for anti‑fascist activities and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
- While incarcerated on the island of Ventotene (1935–1942), he co‑authored the “Ventotene Manifesto” (1941) with Ernesto Rossi, outlining a vision for a united, federal Europe to prevent future wars.
Post‑World War II Political Career
- After the fall of fascism, became a member of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) and later co‑founded the European Federalist Movement (Movimento Federalista Europeo) in 1943.
- Served as a deputy in the Italian Constituent Assembly (1946–1948) and in the Italian Parliament (1948–1976).
- Elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Italian Communist Party (PCI) in 1979, becoming one of its first MEPs after the first direct elections.
Contributions to European Integration
- Instrumental in drafting the “Spinelli Plan” (1970), a proposal for a directly elected European Assembly and a stronger supranational structure within the European Communities.
- Co‑authored the European Parliament’s “Report on the Institutional Reform of the European Community” (1975), which influenced subsequent treaties, notably the European Constitution and the Treaty of Maastricht.
- Advocated for a European Constitution and the development of a federal European polity throughout his later career.
Later Life and Legacy
- Continued to write and lecture on European federalism until his death in Rome in 1986.
- The European Parliament’s main plenary chamber in Strasbourg is named the “Altiero Spinelli Hall” in his honor.
- Numerous institutions, research centers, and awards bear his name, reflecting his lasting impact on the European integration project.
Selected Works
- Ventotene Manifesto (1941, co‑authored with Ernesto Rossi)
- The European Idea: A Political Commentary (1970)
- Federal Europe – The New Vision (1972)
References
- European Parliament. “Altiero Spinelli – Biography.”
- European Federalist Movement archives.
- Historical accounts of post‑war European integration.
