The French media has paid tribute, as is right and proper, to the writer and journalist, Yann de l'Ecotais, who passed away in Paris last week. It is the duty of Agence EUROPE to also mention his action as a convinced European. Not one of those rhetorical pro-Europeans (to recall the image made famous by General de Gaulle) who jump up and down on their chairs like young goats crying “Europe, Europe” but as a journalist and citizen convinced of the need and advantages of a united Europe, while noting and denouncing its shortcomings and errors. Correspondent in Brussels at the Agence France-Presse first of all and then with Le Figaro, he knew how to observe and understand - and he above all knew how to write. Appointed editor-in-chief of L'Express (from 1987 to 1994), his editorials devoted to European construction were admirable not only for their content and form but for their clarity, conciseness and effectiveness. Later on, when he worked as a writer (mainly devoted to his native town, Marseilles), Europe was not forgotten - far from it. Reporting on his book “L'Europe racontée en famille” written with Muriel de l'Ecotais, I had wanted it to be used as a school manual as it would be a “significant contribution to the appearance in France of a whole new generation of Europeans with greater awareness” (European Library Agence EUROPE 20 May 2008). That is still my wish. I would add a sincere thought for his wife and three children. I would like them to know that, for us, Yann de l'Ecotais is more alive than ever. (F.R./transl.jl)