Belgian statesman Étienne Davignon dies aged 93
Etienne Davignon, one of the most influential figures in post-war Belgium, has died at the age of 93.
Often described as one of the country’s most powerful men, Davignon spent more than half a century at the centre of Belgian and European politics, diplomacy and business.
Born in Budapest in 1932, he came from a diplomatic family and entered Belgium’s foreign service in the late 1950s. He worked in Congo around the time of independence before becoming a close adviser to senior Belgian politician Paul-Henri Spaak.
Davignon later played an important role in European integration. He helped coordinate the foreign policy of the early European Community and served as vice-president of the European Commission from 1981 to 1985, overseeing industry and energy policy.
After leaving politics, he became a leading figure in Belgian business, heading the powerful Société Générale de Belgique holding company and helping relaunch Belgium’s national airline after the collapse of Sabena. He also held senior roles at major companies and organisations including Suez, RSC Anderlecht and the Bilderberg Group.
In 2018, King Philippe granted him the hereditary title of count.
His legacy was also marked by controversy over Belgium’s colonial past. Earlier this year, a Brussels court ruled that Davignon should stand trial over alleged involvement in events linked to the 1961 assassination of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba.
Davignon denied wrongdoing and appealed the decision. With his death, the case against him will now end.
Etienne Davignon during the presentation of his book in 2019 © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE