The European Parliament has paid tribute to Nicole Fontaine, former President of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2002. MEPs praised her commitment and political action spanning more than 20 years in the institution.

EU politics

rights of the individual

monetary relations (2406)

The European Parliament has paid tribute to Nicole Fontaine.

 She is the second woman after Simone Veil to become 

"In varietate concordia. United in diversity. "

 This motto, which was her own and which became ours, 

was adopted 18 years ago during her presidency.

and represents the guiding thread of her political action.

 Elected MEP for the first time in 1984, 

Nicole Fontaine was re-elected many times. 

For 20 years, she worked to bring Europe closer to its citizens 

Notably, she worked for the mutual recognition of academic credentials in Europe. 

She also participated in the Parliament's

 Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee. 

In 1999, the European People's Party nominated her 

for the Parliament’s presidency. She was elected in the first round. 

Up until 2002, she significantly increased meetings, conferences and symbolic gestures. 

She invited many leaders to the European Parliament. 

She presided over the institution for the introduction of the Euro. 

aimed at familiarizing the general public with the Parliament. 

Nicole Fontaine passed away on the 17th of May, 2018 aged 76. 