Former European commissioner Karel van Miert died Tuesday after an accident at his house in Beersel municipality. Van Miert, 67, had a long and impressive career in both Belgian and European politics, co-chairing the Belgian Socialist Party, acting as Belgian minister of state and rising from an internship at the EC to work as transport commissioner (1989-1993). In the period 1993 - 1999, he took over the competition portfolio, one of the commission’s most powerful posts.

“He always stressed the social function of the internal market and the need for a common market that ensures fairness for all”, said Commission President José Manuel Barroso in a statement praising van Miert, “his work and his example will continue to inspire the work of the European Commission.” A valued member of the Praesidium of Friends of Europe, Karel van Miert will be sorely missed.