The European Movement International would like to pay tribute to Wilfried Martens who sadly passed away this morning. Martens’ work over the years to lead the federalist debate amongst his colleagues in the European People’s Party, and his premiership of his native Belgium between 1979-1992 proved him to be a true statesman of both Belgium and Europe. As President of the largest European political party represented in the European Parliament Martens has greatly influenced the political debate and we hope that the party is able to continue his work and finds a suitable successor. Our condolences are with his family.

Diogo Pinto, EMI Secretary General
Brussels, 10 October 2013