Press Release

08/04/2008

Alejo Vidal-Quadras MEP receives the Legion of Honour

Today, EPP-ED MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, will be awarded the Legion of Honour in recognition of his educational and political work. The ceremony will take place in the headquarters of the French Representation of the EU in Brussels.

The Ambassador of the Permanent Representation of France to the EU, Pierre Sellal, will present the award to him on behalf of the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy.

The Legion of Honour is the highest French official award and was instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in May 1802 to reward eminent merits. Besides French citizens, it can also be given to authorities, personalities and diplomats from other countries in certain cases.

Vidal-Quadras is receiving the Legion of Honour in recognition of his work at the European Parliament as Vice-President in charge of the information and communication area, and as a Member of the Committee on Industry, Energy and Research.

During his time at the European Parliament, Alejo Vidal-Quadras has stood out for his dedication to issues related to energy supply, the improvement of the internal market for gas and electricity, the increase of energy efficiency, as well as climate change. In addition, he has participated in various initiatives against ETA terrorism, installing democracy in Iran, promoting the 112 number as the only number for emergency calls in the EU, and the defence of the protection of personal data.

As Vice-President responsible for information and communication, he has expanded the facilities for the coverage of the European Parliament and he has increased and diversified information campaigns for citizens. This year, under his sponsorship, an internet television project will be launched. It is the first television project for a multi-national parliament. The new internet television will have programmes and information in the 22 official languages of the EU.

Alejo Vidal-Quadras has been an MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament since 1999. Previous to this, he was a Member of the Catalonian Parliament, President of the Popular Parliamentary Group in the Catalonian Hemicycle, a Senator representing the Catalonian Parliament, and President of the Committee of Education and Culture in the Senate, besides other institutional responsibilities. He was also President of the Popular Party in Catalonia between 1991-1996.

Doctor in Physics and Professor of Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Alejo Vidal-Quadras has wide-ranging experience in the field of research. He is author of numerous scientific publications, especially in subjects such as Radiation Physics, Environmental Radioactivity and Radioprotection. He developed his research and educational activities at the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Centre for Nuclear Research in Strasbourg, and at the University College of Dublin.

For further information
Alejo Vidal-Quadras MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845322
Pedro López de Pablo, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-2-2842786, or mobile +32-475-493352

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.