Georges Debunne has without a doubt left a lasting impact on several generations of trade unionists.

A prominent figure of Belgian trade unionism, he was equally committed to the European trade union movement. Georges Debunne was one of the founders of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). He served as its President from April 1982 to May 1985. He was also one of the founding members of the European Federation of Retired and Older People (FERPA) and held the position of President between 1993 and 2001. After 2003, he became honorary President for life of FERPA.

A member of the General Labour Federation of Belgium (Fédération générale du Travail de Belgique, FGTB), Georges Debunne had a comprehensive and long-term view of the changes needed in Belgium and Europe. A precursor in a number of areas, he launched the concept of ‘qualitative growth’ in the 1970s. He was also in the front ranks of the struggle for the emancipation of women. Georges Debunne built up solid relations with the academic world and developed a quality research department within the FGTB, before going on to create the Trade Union Institute.

ETUC expresses its condolences to his family and to the FGTB.