Walter Hallstein was the first President of the European Commission from 1958 to 1967, a committed European and a decisive proponent of European integration. As President of the European Commission, Hallstein worked towards a rapid realisation of the Common Market. His energetic enthusiasm and powers of persuasion furthered the cause of integration even beyond the period of his presidency. During his mandate, the integration advanced significantly. The one-time Secretary of State in the German Foreign Ministry originally attained international recognition through the ‘Hallstein Doctrine’ of the 1950s, which shaped German foreign policy for years to come, and had at its core the linking of the young democracy with western Europe.