European Parliament
President.
– Colleagues, in opening the part-session today, I feel it is appropriate to mark, in solemn fashion, the passing of a much-loved and remarkable former Head of State, Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, whose funeral service will take place tomorrow.
The Queen Mother was monarch of the Netherlands from September 1948 until her abdication in 1980. As such she oversaw the extraordinary transformation of her country from the low point of the immediate post-war period, through decolonisation and onto the vibrant and prosperous nation we know today, which plays such a constructive and leading role in our European Union.
She endeared herself to her people by her humility, her simplicity, her solidarity with the people – most particularly during the floods of 1953 – and her commitment to peace, cooperation and reconciliation.
Our condolences go to Queen Beatrix, to the members of her family and to all the citizens of the Netherlands.
I ask you now to observe a minute's silence.
(The House rose and observed a minute's silence)
(1)
Approval of the Minutes of the previous sitting:
see Minutes.

