# Pierre Werner

> Luxembourgish politician (1913-2002), Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1959-1974, 1979-1984)

**Wikidata**: [Q315661](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315661)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Werner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pierre-werner

## Summary
Pierre Werner was a Luxembourgish politician who served as Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1959 to 1974 and again from 1979 to 1984. He is best known for his role in shaping the country's political landscape and his contributions to European integration, notably through the Werner Plan, which laid the groundwork for the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 29, 1913
- **Nationality:** Luxembourgish
- **Education:** Studied at the University of Paris and the University of Nancy
- **Known for:** Serving as Prime Minister of Luxembourg and proposing the Werner Plan
- **Employer(s):** Government of Luxembourg
- **Field(s):** Politics, Economics

## Contributions
- **Werner Plan (1970):** Proposed a phased plan for economic and monetary union in Europe, leading to the creation of the Euro. The plan was adopted by the European Council in 1971 but implementation stalled until the 1990s.
- **Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1959-1974, 1979-1984):** Led the country through periods of economic growth and modernization, strengthening its position in European institutions.
- **European Integration:** Advocated for closer economic cooperation among European nations, influencing the development of the European Union.

## FAQs
**What were Pierre Werner's major political roles?**  
Werner served as Prime Minister of Luxembourg for two non-consecutive terms (1959-1974 and 1979-1984) and was a key figure in European economic policy.

**What is the Werner Plan?**  
The Werner Plan, proposed in 1970, outlined steps for achieving economic and monetary union in Europe, including the establishment of a single currency, which later became the Euro.

**What awards did Pierre Werner receive?**  
He received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Robert Schuman Medal, and was named a Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Nancy, among other honors.

**What was Pierre Werner's educational background?**  
Werner studied at the University of Paris and the University of Nancy, though specific degrees are not detailed in the source material.

## Why They Matter
Pierre Werner's leadership and vision were instrumental in advancing Luxembourg's political and economic standing in Europe. His Werner Plan provided a foundational blueprint for the Euro, a cornerstone of the European Union's economic integration. Without his contributions, the timeline and structure of European monetary union might have developed differently, impacting the EU's economic cohesion and global influence.

## Notable For
- **Proposing the Werner Plan:** A critical step toward the creation of the Euro.
- **Long Tenure as Prime Minister:** Led Luxembourg during significant periods of its modern history.
- **Awards and Honors:** Recipient of prestigious awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour and the Robert Schuman Medal.
- **Academic Recognition:** Honorary doctorate from the University of Nancy.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Pierre Werner was born on December 29, 1913. He pursued his education at the University of Paris and the University of Nancy, laying the groundwork for his future career in politics and economics.

### Political Career
Werner's political career culminated in his two terms as Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1959-1974 and 1979-1984). During his tenure, he focused on modernizing Luxembourg's economy and strengthening its role in European affairs. His leadership coincided with Luxembourg's emergence as a key player in European integration efforts.

### The Werner Plan
In 1970, Werner chaired a committee that proposed the Werner Plan, a detailed strategy for achieving economic and monetary union among European Community member states. The plan envisioned a three-phase process, including the establishment of a single currency. Although the plan's implementation was delayed, it influenced the eventual creation of the Euro in 1999, cementing Werner's legacy in European economic history.

### European Integration Advocacy
Beyond the Werner Plan, Werner consistently advocated for deeper European cooperation. His efforts helped position Luxembourg as a bridge between larger European powers, fostering collaboration that remains central to the EU's structure today.

### Legacy and Honors
Werner's contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Robert Schuman Medal, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Nancy. These accolades reflect his significant impact on both Luxembourg and the broader European project.

### Affiliations and Later Life
Werner was affiliated with the Institut Pierre Werner, established in 2003 to promote European studies. He passed away on June 24, 2002, leaving behind a legacy as a visionary leader in European politics and economics.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://viewer.eluxemburgensia.lu/ark:70795/7x40zghp8/pages/2/articles/DIVL134?search=pierre%20werner%20l%C3%A9gion)
4. [Source](https://viewer.eluxemburgensia.lu/ark:70795/g2z8r8p5s/pages/3/articles/DIVL304?search=Faulcon)
5. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000366829)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
8. Dictionnaire des auteurs luxembourgeois
9. Munzinger Personen
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File