Deeply saddened by the passing of #HansVanDenBroek, a true statesman, a committed European & a steadfast defender of democracy, human rights & the rule of law. During my tenure as #Cyprus’ Ambassador to The #Netherlands, I had the privilege of knowing him well. A man of remarkable intellect, unwavering integrity & a deep sense of fairness & justice. As FM @DutchMFA & later as #EU European Commissioner for External Relations & Enlargement, Hans van den Broek played a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s post-Cold War order, fostering unity & expanding the European project. His leadership, diplomacy, vision & moral clarity, left an indelible mark on our continent. He understood that Europe was more than treaties & institutions. It remains a peace project, that should not be taken for granted; a commitment to shared values & principles underpinned by the dignity & the worth of all human beings. Beyond politics, I knew him as a gentleman of great warmth & wisdom, with an unwavering belief in dialogue & the power of #diplomacy to bridge divides. His passing is a great loss. His legacy endures in the principles he championed & the lives he touched. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family & loved ones. May his soul rest in perfect peace. May his memory be eternal. 🕯️ #HansVandenBroek #VanDenBroek #RIP #RipVanDenBroek #Europe #Democracy #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights #Diplomacy #Legacy