Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU leaders have today mourned the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter, with leaders hailing him for his unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and moral leadership worldwide.
The European Parliament president Robert Metsola described President Jimmy Carter as a tireless champion for peace and human rights. She added that the Nobel Peace Prize, the fact it goes to Carter, testifies that he played a decisive role in solving conflicts that shifted the course of history. Robert also added that for many people around the globe, Carter was an inspiration, and his legacy would continue to live on. She said that Europe shares its sorrow with the United States.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said,
“I offer my sympathy to the American people over the death of the president. He served the United States with honour and humanness, showing himself human all his life”.
Von der Leyen acknowledged that his work contributed to peace, health, and democracy all around the world. She indicated that he would be remembered for moral leadership and hoped that his noble legacy would remain.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas noted the pursuit of Jimmy Carter, who had chased a foreign policy founded upon values and compassion. She went on to mention that he would always be remembered for his great commitment to human rights. She also extended their deepest condolences to his family and the American people.
Who was Jimmy Carter?
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States died on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center said. Carter had turned 100 just three months earlier in October 2024. Jimmy Carter’s US presidency spanned from 1977 to 1981.
He is most remembered during that period for the notable success he achieved in peacebuilding and human rights advocacy. He brokered the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. Moreover, he was one of the leading figures who popularized human rights around the world, frequently bringing to book allies who abused them. After leaving office, Carter remained very active in humanitarian work. He co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 with a focus on global health initiatives and election monitoring.
