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Remembering Andrzej Potocki

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Andrzej Potocki, a true pillar of our political family.

A long-time Vice-President of the European Democratic Party (EDP) and an active board member of the Institute of European Democrats (IED), he was a committed and innovative leader, deeply devoted to centrist values both in Poland and across Europe. He had strong convictions and the courage to defend them, always with clarity and wit.

A distinguished member of the Polish Sejm from 1991 to 2001, Andrzej was well known for his work within Stronnictwo Demokratyczne and was, in many ways, a legend in Poland’s democratic movement. Beyond politics, he was a man of vast culture—a writer, a historian, a philosopher, a strategist, and a passionate football enthusiast. Fluent in six languages, he combined intellect and humility, always generous in sharing his knowledge with others.

Those who knew him will remember not only his political acumen but also his sharp humor, his deep kindness, and his unwavering belief in democracy. As our President Francesco Rutelli put it:

"He was a free spirit, a real lover of democracy, a person with clear political values, and irony as a constant tool to live in times of innovation, or upheaval, or backsliding views. We will remember him, and his legacy in our community."

He will be profoundly missed, but his ideas, his work, and his spirit will continue to inspire us.

The Institute of European Democrats

The Institute of European Democrats (IED), is a non-profit association based in Brussels. It is an innovative European political and cultural Research Institute that offers fresh political ideas as well as a strong and respected cultural background to the European Democratic Party (EDP) to which it is formally affiliated. It is steered by the Board of Directors and supported by a Scientific Committee.

In order to contribute to develop a political debate at the EU level, where alternative policies confront each other, the IED is organizing conferences and seminars where politicians, experts, EU and national officials, academics and others can discuss critically. In addition the IED regularly publishes Publications to enhance solutions for common policy challenges in Europe.

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