BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission on Tuesday condoled the death of David Williamson, former Secretary-General of the Commission, who passed away last Sunday.
David Williamson served as Secretary-General of the European Commission from 1987 until his retirement in 1997.
A British civil servant from 1956 until 1977, Williamson was appointed the Commission's deputy director-general for agriculture in 1977. He was also the head of European secretariat at the U.K. Cabinet Office during Margaret Thatcher regime. He subsequently returned to pick up the top Commission job.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said, 'It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing away of David Williamson last Sunday... '
'He was a true European, whose years as Secretary-General saw momentous change, as the EU developed the single market, and set the first steps towards monetary union and enlargement,' Juncker added.
Williamson is remembered fondly in the Commission for his calm efficiency, his good sense of humor and his wise advice to Presidents, Commissioners and colleagues.
'He was a fine public servant. His wisdom will be missed both in Brussels and the United Kingdom. My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues,' Juncker said.
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