Brussels, 25/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - European journalists, as well as the officials his colleagues, paid tribute on Thursday evening to Norbert Schwaiger, who, early this year, left his post as Head of the Press Service of the EU Council. Having served as Council official for the past 32 years, Mr Schwaiger spent 27 of that time in the press service, during which he covered 80 Summits, 800 Council sessions, 1,500 meetings of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, plus negotiations on periodic revision of the Treaties, meetings with third countries, etc. Several journalists took the floor on this occasion to stress just how precious Mr Schwaiger has been. He practically anticipated transparency, at a time when the authorities were recommending that the "least possible" should be said about Council activities.
Agence EUROPE would like to join in the tribute paid to Mr Schwaiger, having appreciated his precious cooperation over the past few decades. The new Head of the Press Service at the Council is David Galloway.