Centenary of the birth of Pierre Pflimlin, a European visionary. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group

Pierre Pflimlin, a former Mayor of Strasbourg, held some of the highest positions in the political sphere, having been Prime Minister, Secretary of State and President of the European Parliament, a position he held from 1984 to 1987. He was a driving force in the institutional re-launch following the Spinelli Report as well as in the completion of the Internal Market based on the Herman Report. A great supporter and former Minister in the Schuman government, a staunch craftsman of reconciliation and of Franco-German cooperation, Pierre Pflimlin had a vision for Europe. He committed himself to a political dimension where questions of defence and security should, in his eyes, play a fundamental role.

He was undoubtedly one of the most eminent figures of our institution and our political group regarded him as one of the great Christian Democratic leaders in France and in Europe.

On Monday 5 February 2007, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, bowed at the graveside of Pierre Pflimlin on the occasion of the centenary year of his birth. He took part in a thanksgiving mass in honour of Pflimlin at Strasbourg Cathedral after which he hosted a reception at the European Parliamentary Association. Karl von Wogau MEP, Vice-President of the Cercle Pierre Pflimlin - an association dedicated to the memory of the former President of the European Parliament - also participated in these events.

The EPP-ED Group will pay tribute to Pierre Pflimlin in June, and in July will take part in public events to commemorate his memory. The President of the European Parliament, national authorities, Alsatian public bodies and the City of Strasbourg will also participate in these events.