Thorn, Gaston Egmond

▪ 2008

      Luxembourgian politician

born Sept. 3, 1928, Luxembourg city, Lux.

died Aug. 26, 2007, Luxembourg

pursued his long-time advocacy of European integration throughout a distinguished career that extended far beyond the borders of Luxembourg. Thorn, a member of the Liberal Democrat Party, held several posts in Luxembourg's government, including foreign minister (1969–80) and prime minister (1974–79). He was also president of the UN General Assembly during the 1975–76 session. In 1981 he was appointed president of the Commission of the European Economic Community (forerunner of the European Union), a post he held until 1985. After leaving the commission, Thorn became chief executive of CLT Multi-Media.

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