Simone Veil, “the mother of Europe” and first elected President of the European Parliament, was essential in creating European unity and advancing human rights. She advocated for women’s rights, was a key figure in legalizing abortion in France, and paved the way for women in leadership. As a Holocaust survivor, she knew how important European unification is. Veil's legacy continues to inspire, embodying the EU's motto of "unity in diversity" through her commitment to justice and human rights.

Simone Veil, the mother of Europe

The members of the European Parliament were directly elected for the first time. The parliament held its first session in Strasbourg on 17 July 1979. Louise Weiss as the "oldest member" presided over the chamber. Simone Veil was elected president.

The Decision and Act on European elections by direct universal suffrage were signed in Brussels on 20 September 1976. Following ratification by all Member States, the Act entered into force on July 1978, and the first elections took place on 7 and 10 June 1979.

Louise Weiss was a journalist and politician. She co-founded the journal “L’Europe Nouvelle” later she created a movement advocating women’s suffrage in France. She became the oldest member of the European Parliament in 1979.

Already a renowned politician in France, where she became minister for health in 1974, Veil was elected member of the European Parliament at the first direct elections in 1979. The new Parliament elected her as its president for a period of two-and-a-half years. She thus became the first president of the directly-elected European Parliament and the first woman president of any EU institution.

40 years ago - First session of the directly elected European Parliament

Simone VEIL, President of the European Parliament

2021 portraits gallery of EP Presidents

Ceremony to honour the memory of Simone Veil, former President of the European Parliament, in presence of representatives of Jewish Associations and Ixelles Authorities

Group photo with Simone VEIL, EP President, and the participants at the Annual ACP meeting in Luxembourg.

Antonio Tajani, attends a solemn funeral ceremony to pay homage to Simone Veil in the courtyard of the Invalides

State funeral for Simone VEIL - Former European Parliament President, Holocaust survivor and women’s rights advocate in Paris

French and EU flags at half-mast at the European Parliament, following the passing away of Simone VEIL, former EP President

EP Plenary session - Homage to Simone VEIL, former EP President (1979-1982)

Stockshots of the hemicycle during plenary session week 27 2017 in Strasbourg - Homage to Simone VEIL, former EP President (1979-1982)

Meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in January 1985.

Press conference in Strasbourg in January 1984.

Jacques Delors, President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995.

Memoclip: Jacques DELORS and the European Parliament

&lt;p>Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the unveiling of the bust of Simone VEIL, former European Parliament president, in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.&lt;/p>

Unveiling of the bust of Simone Veil in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Roland RIES, Mayor of Strasbourg, Simone VEIL's sons and the artist, unveil a portait of Simone Veil during a ceremony in Strasbourg.

Unveiling of Simone Veil´s portrait in the presence of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Roland RIES, Mayor of Strasbourg, Simone VEIL's sons and the artist (rec 11/12)

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Roland RIES, Mayor of Strasbourg, Pierre-François VEIL and Jean VEIL, sons of Simone VEIL, attend the ceremony of inauguration of Avenue Simone Veil in Strasbourg.

Inauguration of Avenue de la Paix Simone Veil in the presence of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Roland RIES, Mayor of Strasbourg, Pierre-François VEIL and Jean VEIL, sons of Simone VEIL

On the occasion of&nbsp;his&nbsp;official visit to Paris, Antonio TAJANI, EP President, meets&nbsp;with Valerie PECRESSE, President of the Regional Council of Ile-de-France and unveils of a commemorative plate honouring Simone Veil, in the presence of the family, and addresses to the Regional Assembly.

Official visit by Antonio TAJANI, EP President to Paris: meeting with Valerie PECRESSE, President of the Regional Council of Ile-de-France and unveil of a commemorative plate honouring Simone Veil

In honour of Simone VEIL, former EP President, the French and EU flags are put at half-mast at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

French and EU flags at half-mast at the European Parliament in Strasbourg following the passing away of Simone VEIL, former EP President

Antonio TAJANI, EP President attends ceremony for the funerals of Simone VEIL, former EP President (1979-1982) with Donald TUSK, President of the European Council,&nbsp;in Paris.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Donald TUSK, President of the European Council attend the ceremony for the funerals of Simone VEIL, former EP President (1979-1982): extracts from the ceremony in Paris

In honour of Simone VEIL, former EP President, the French and EU flags are put at half-mast at the European Parliament in Brussels.

VEIL, Simone (LDR, FR)

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