Notre Europe's viewpoint | 20/12/2010 

Dear readers, Dear Friends,

This is not an easy message to write.

Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, our President and Jacques Delors's colleague for thirty years, died on 18 December.

He liked to describe himself as a public servant. He became Italian Minister of Finance in Romano Prodi's Government, he said, "by chance". Be that as it may, his rigour, effectiveness and integrity left an indelible mark. In his many roles as a central banker in Italy and in Europe, Director General at the European Commission, the driving force of the Delors Committee on the Single Currency, University Professor and author of many books, he maintained a consistent commitment to his vision of European unity.

He never really retired. He was President of Notre Europe, of Promontory Europe, of the Board of Trustees of the International Accounting Standards Board, adviser to the Greek Government and above all a constant reference point for reassurance and enlightenment in the current crisis when the euro, of which he was one of the main architects, is under pressure. We are consoled by the conviction that this cornerstone of European unity will survive him.

His titles and accomplishments are too numerous to mention here. Above all, we pay tribute to his contribution to our work, to each of us individually and to the organisation.

When we are asked what he was like as a man, we think of his personal style, that of a true Italian gentleman. His first reaction in all situations was a broad smile expressing kindness and determination. He could explain our ideas and projects in a few sentences. He made complicated issues seem simple and expressed our ideals in words of impregnable conviction. Impossible goals became possible and were often reached.

A man of culture and erudition, philosophy and passion, calm and joy, attention to others and wit, he was more than a President. He inspired us with fatherly attention and kind-heartedness. We called him "TPS", a sign of affection for a discreet but unforgettable great man.

It is painful to write about him in the past tense. We were lucky to know him. It will not be easy to carry on without him, but we will do so drawing strength from his vision and example.

The Notre Europe team.