Brussels, 11/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mario Sepi, who was President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) from 2008 to 2010, died in Rome on Monday 10 October, following a short illness. The Committee, expressing its shock and sadness at his passing, said that Sepi was a “sincere and genuine European who consistently strove, with enthusiasm and optimism, to advance the cause of a federal Europe and give everyone the opportunity to play a full and responsible part in building up the complex institutional European venture. In these tough times for the European Union, we will miss Mario all the more”.
European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek also paid tribute to the former EESC President. “Mario Sepi was a true believer in the European project and a great defender of workers' rights. I pay tribute to his excellent work as the recent President of the European Economic and Social Committee. His work has increased the importance and visibility of the Committee”, Buzek said.
Mario Sepi joined the trade union movement in the 1970s. He was appointed to the European Economic and Social Committee in 1998. After leading the Workers' Group from 2002 to 2008 he became Committee President from 2008 to 2010. (CG/transl.rt)