20/11/2007 President
The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), René van der Linden, has been awarded one of the highest and unique honours of the French Republic: Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur. The insignia were presented to him by the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Netherlands, Jean-Michel Gaussot, on behalf of President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Mr van der Linden was awarded the honour for his continuous efforts and outspoken commitment to the European cause since 1970. In his speech, the French Ambassador referred to the President’s important role in the Convention on the Future of Europe, preparing the wording for the Constitutional Treaty. Furthermore, Mr van der Linden’s election and double re-election as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as the manner in which he has fulfilled this responsibility, were largely praised, and especially his successful efforts to place the Council of Europe back on the European and national agendas.
Deeply touched by this decoration, Mr. van der Linden in his expression of gratitude quoted the French author Victor Hugo, a true European avant la lettre, who said in 1849: “The day will come when you France, you Russia, you Italy, you England, you Germany, you all, nations of the continent, without losing your distinctive qualities and yous glorious individuality, will be closely united in a superior unity and you will form a European brotherhood.”
The President stressed the need to make sure European co-operation stays on track, with strong Franco-German relation as its backbone and the Netherlands as an actively participating member state. As for the Council of Europe, Mr van der Linden urged the nations to reach out beyond their borders and to get to know, understand and respect each other to create the truly “Grande Europe” where fundamental values are respected.