“We were saddened to hear of the death of the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

We bid farewell to a great politician, and look back on her life and work with deep admiration. Margaret Thatcher made an indelible mark on Great Britain. Yet she has also left a considerable legacy in European and international history.

Margaret Thatcher was one of the few people who could clearly be seen to be writing history even during her lifetime. She had strong convictions and always made them clear in no uncertain terms.

Her final years were marked by serious illness. Our sympathy is now with her family, and we wish them strength in their hour of grief. Our thoughts are also with the whole of the British people at this time. Even in moments like this we sense a common European bond.”