Brussels, 24/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Chairman of the Party of European Socialists, Robin Cook, has paid tribute to the Dutch Socialist Piet Dankert, who died at the weekend at the age of 69. The second European Parliament President to be elected by universal suffrage, Mr Dankert succeeded Simone Veil in 1982.
"The political world in the Netherlands and in Europe has lost one of the most dynamic and talented personalities", said Mr Cook, who spoke of Piet Dankert's constant commitment to the reform of the European institutions. "He fought for a more open and transparent EU budget", said Mr Cook, who also spoke of the action he later brought as Dutch Secretary of State for European Affairs to the Court of Justice against secrecy in the Council of Ministers. Mr Cook also cited Mr Dankert's role in: - adopting the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam, opening the way for proper European-level action on employment; - developing transatlantic relations, notably between the EP and the United States Congress; - the Irish Forum for Peace and Reconciliation; - the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary committee, where he defended the rights of the country's unions and minorities.