So far we have never mentioned who the gentleman is, after whom the project's activities are named..
"Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide De Gasperi, Paul-Henri Spaak, Johan Willem Beyen and Joseph Bech: their vision and actions set in motion the process that would lead to the Europe of today. Monnet, in particular, was the main inspiration behind the ‘Monnet-Schuman method’, also known as the ‘small-steps method’. Initially focused on joint management of the mining and steel sectors, the intention was always to extend it to new strategic economic and political areas. The aim of the gradual integration which resulted from these first tangible actions was to achieve European political unity. For his part in this ambitious project, Jean Monnet would become recognised as one of the ‘Founding Fathers of Europe’. Today, many streets, squares and schools and various European and international scholarship programmes bear the name of Jean Monnet. The first person to receive the distinction of ‘Honorary Citizen of Europe’, his impact on 20th century history is often poorly understood by the general public. Time Magazine identified Monnet as one of the 20th century’s 100 most influential figures whose actions have had most impact on the fate of the world."
Source: https://www.jean-monnet-europe.eu/en/jean-monnet-man-peace