President. Colleagues, it is my sad duty to inform you of the death, on Saturday, 21 June 2003, of Mr Pieter Dankert, President of the European Parliament from 1982 to 1984. Piet Dankert was the very model of a Parliamentarian – resolute, straightforward, plain-speaking – who served the interests of his electorate, his party and of the European Parliament.

His efforts to secure greater powers for the European Parliament gave us a position from which today we still derive daily benefits and influence in our work.

As President, Piet Dankert steered the course of the European Parliament during one of the most difficult phases of the Union's history. His own enterprising spirit and non-conformist approach, his constant concern for the man in the street and his own sense of humour and personality were defining characteristics of his presidency at that time.

As an historian Pieter Dankert never lost sight of the long-term view that gave him the vision and wisdom that Europe needed then and still needs today.

On behalf of the European Parliament I have expressed my profound respect and condolences to his family. I invite you to observe one minute's silence for our colleague Pieter Dankert.

(The House rose and observed one minute's silence)

  Van den Berg (PSE). – (NL) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Piet Dankert, from Stiens in Friesland, whose enthusiasm for social democracy had been kindled by his Frisian grandfather, started his career as a teacher, and made an important contribution in Europe in many roles, of which I should like to list a few examples.

Openness. The election of Piet Dankert to President of the European Parliament was the first time that a decision of such significance had not been reached internally among groups. The election was held in an open and almost professional manner, and included a press campaign. This action was about twenty years ahead of its time. Piet Dankert, monsieur le Président.

Perseverance. As a good European, Piet believed in the right and proper use of European money. He took an interest in any report of possible misuse. However, he was also keen to find out whether the accounts were true. Sometimes, the facts were somewhat distorted to ensure that other bodies with more powers would actually take action.

Democracy. In 1979, Piet Dankert managed to give the European Parliament more bite by deploying budget legislation as a political instrument in an inventive manner. He threatened that Parliament would vote against the Budget, and this is exactly what happened. Ever since, the Commission and Council have been forced to take the European Parliament seriously.

Vision. Piet Dankert wanted a more social and democratic Europe with a clearly defined role in a world with which it shows solidarity. Piet Dankert featured in this connection as a level-headed and realistic champion of the European ideal. In the capacity of secretary of state for Europe, he tabled proposals for a more democratic Europe during the Dutch Presidency in Maastricht in 1992. Governments were not quite ready for this. Piet Dankert observed with satisfaction that the results of the Convention were not dissimilar from his own proposals all those years ago.

Enjoyment. In 1979, Piet Dankert made a very conscious and clear decision in favour of the European Parliament over the Dutch Second Chamber. According to him, operating at international level was more fun and more exciting. He also knew how to enjoy the pleasant sides of his job. From time to time, Piet was able to appreciate a meal consisting of a little more than a cheese roll and a mug of buttermilk.

Relations. He was averse to hoo-ha, could be very obstinate, yet was at times almost shy. He was a kind and honest man, and was able to identify with the political way of thinking of people from other countries. Over the past few days, and during the commemorative service yesterday in the Great Church at Edam, many confirmed this image of him as Monsieur l'Europe.

We hope that all these impressions, qualities and images of Piet Dankert will be of comfort to his wife, Paulette, and his children.