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The European Commission announced the death of its former member Frans Andriessen on Friday.
The Dutch Christian Democrat politician was the Commissioner for Agriculture from 1985 to 1989. He also held the competition portfolio from 1981 to 1985 and external relations and trade from 1989 to 1993.
"He helped to pave the way for our common currency, the euro. He played an important role in making Europe's economy fit for the turn of the century by helping the European steel industry to innovate and the agricultural sector to modernise. Finally, he played a crucial role in advancing multilateral trade negotiations, such as the Uruguay Round," said European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.
"Frans was a kind, considerate and trusted friend and colleague. It was a privilege to have worked with him and his legacy will live on," he added.
I was v sorry to learn of the death of one of my predecessors as @EUAgri Commissioner, Frans Andriessen. A 3-term Commissioner, he served as Agri Commisisoner 1985-89, and did a great deal to help modernise the #CAP.
— Phil Hogan (@PhilHoganEU) 25 mars 2019
My sympathies to his family & friends on their loss. https://t.co/OwAldlX3qx
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