Former European Parliament President Klaus Hänsch dies aged 87

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Former European Parliament President Klaus Hänsch has died, current Parliament President Roberta Metsola confirmed on Wednesday.

“His Parliament mourns the loss of a champion of Europe, who took office at a time of profound change for our continent, and who never stopped believing in the potential of this project,” wrote Metsola in a social media post .

“At our last meeting just a few weeks ago, his unwavering optimism shone through as he described his ongoing efforts to promote civic engagement and nurture young European leaders. Europe will miss him. May he rest in peace,” she added.

Hänsch, a German Social Democrat, served as Parliament president from 1994 to 1997, and was an MEP from 1979 to 2009.

He was 87 years old.