Message of condolences from President Barroso on the passing away of Jean-Luc Dehaene
President Barroso has issued the statement below on the passing away of Jean-Luc Dehaene, former Prime Minister of Belgium:
"I was deeply saddened to hear the news this afternoon of the death of Jean-Luc Dehaene, former Prime Minister of Belgium and a great European.
Jean-Luc Dehaene will rightly be remembered as a man of unification, both for Belgium in his remarkable time as Prime Minister for seven years, and in his outstanding contribution to a stronger and united Europe. His role as a mediator shone through in all of his work.
Jean-Luc was a passionate European, as a Prime Minister, as member of the Convention on the Future of Europe, and as a member of the European Parliament.
The whole European family has lost a man of inspiration, leadership and commitment. On behalf of the European Commission, and on my own behalf, I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Belgian people".