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In memory of Svend Auken

News Published 04 Aug 2009 Last modified 21 Jun 2016

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The Executive Director and staff of the European Environment Agency were very sad to hear of the death of Svend Auken the morning of 4 August, after lengthy illness. Svend Auken played a major role in the establishment of the EEA in Copenhagen in 1993 and was ever since a strong supporter and friend of the Agency.

Svend Auken was Danish Minister for the Environment from 1993 to 1994 and Minister for the Environment and Energy from 1994 to 2001. Both as minister and thereafter he was a well-known and respected figure in Danish, European and global environmental politics. A strategic thinker, a sharp analyst and an excellent communicator, he was one of the first political leaders actively to promote the use of renewable and local energy resources in the fight against climate change.

His vision and drive will be missed.