Organization for European Economic Cooperation

The Organization for European Economic Cooperation marked an important stage in Dag Hammarskjöld’s move from Swedish government service into international roles. He became its vice chair after leading a Swedish delegation in discussions on the Marshall Plan, adding a European post to a career that would soon take him to the United Nations.

Hammarskjöld’s Role

In 1946, Hammarskjöld renegotiated a trade agreement with the United States and headed a Swedish delegation participating in discussions on the Marshall Plan. His next step was becoming vice chair of the Organization for European Economic Cooperation. The account identifies this appointment as a milestone in his career, but does not describe the organization’s structure or his specific duties within it.

A Step in His International Rise

The vice-chairmanship followed Hammarskjöld’s rapid advancement in public service. In 1947, he joined Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and eventually became vice minister. Four years later he became vice chair of Sweden’s delegation to the United Nations, then its chair a year afterward. His appointment as Secretary General on April 10, 1951, came after the resignation of Trygve Lie. In this sequence, the Organization for European Economic Cooperation is presented as an intermediate post between his work on international economic discussions and his later ascent at the United Nations.