One of the founding fathers of the Euro, Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, died on 18th December 2010. The former Italian Minister of Finance was a member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (1998-2005) throughout the introduction of the European Monetary Union.
Sir David Tweedie, Chairman of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), said:
“Tommaso possessed a rare combination of intellect and vision, delivered with a wry smile. He was a friend and colleague and will be missed by many, many people. I am greatly saddened by this news. On behalf of the IASB and the staff of the Foundation, we send our sincere condolences to his family.”
A statement from the The European University Institute said, “With Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, disappears one of the main actors who decisively contributed to the vision, the design and the launch of the Euro.”
The EUI will create a Chair in honour of Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa during a ceremony on 28th January 2011. A study programme on monetary union and the role the single currency plays in the global economy will also be announced during the same ceremony.