What was the PRIMARY stated aim of French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in proposing the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community? Question 45 Answer a. Increase the prosperity of member states through trade. b. Stop the further spread of communism in Western Europe. c. Open up new markets for domestic manufacturing outputs. d. Decrease the cost of steel production to increase competitiveness of the local manufacturing industries. e. Make future wars amongst member states both unthinkable and materially impossible by increasing economic interdependence. Jump to