In memoriam: Domingo Jiménez-Beltrán

It is with great sadness that we heard the news that Domingo Jiménez-Beltrán, the first Executive Director of the EEA, passed away in the early hours of 7 February 2023.

Domingo Jiménez-Beltrán was the architect and builder of the EEA and the Eionet. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Agency and the Eionet as an independent and reliable knowledge provider, supporting environmental policies and policy making in Europe. He was an inspiring director, a thought leader, an initiative taker and a dear colleague and friend to many who had the pleasure to work with him.

After his tenure as the Executive Director of the Agency from 1994 until June 2002, Domingo Jiménez-Beltran became an Adviser at the Economic Office of the Spanish President, founder and first Director of the Spanish Observatory for Sustainability, and until recently a consulting engineer and adviser to governments, business and institutes, in particular for the Spanish Observatory for Sustainability. He was also an author, a lecturer and professor of specialised courses.

Jiménez-Beltrán was a passionate and engaged environmentalist and was distinguished on numerous occasions, including 'Twelve Stars for The Environment' (EEB-Brussels. October 2002), 'Sustainable Development Award' (FED-Zaragoza. September 2002), 'Distinction. National Congress Environment' (Madrid. November 2002), ISR Award 2004, Individual Prize New Water Culture 2006 and National Environment Award 2007.

His lifelong passion and dedication to the environment, and his inspiring vision and commitment to the EEA will always be remembered.

On behalf of the Agency and Eionet, we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.