EU leaders on Saturday paid tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a U.S. Supreme Court judge and advocate for gender equality who died on Friday aged 87.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded Ginsburg as a “pioneer for women’s right, law and justice.”
The second woman to serve on the highest U.S. court, Ginsburg was at the forefront of the legal fight against gender discrimination and in her later years became a feminist icon.
“She proved that women belong in all places of power where decisions are made,” wrote von der Leyen, the first woman to serve as Commission president.
Several members of her Commission, including Vice Presidents Frans Timmermans and Margaritis Schinas, Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni and Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli, as well as European Parliament President David Sassoli echoed her remarks.
“Relentless defender of the rule of law, one of the sharpest legal minds ever to sit on the bench, and tireless fighter in the struggle for equality, Ruth Bader Ginsburg deserves a place in the global Pantheon of human rights champions,” Timmermans wrote.
European politicians and diplomats also honored Ginsburg as an advocate for justice, fundamental rights and gender equality.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote: “A truly exceptional woman has left us. Throughout her entire life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for justice, gender equality and the respect for fundamental rights. Her outstanding legacy shall be our inspiration for a long time to come.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sent his “deepest condolences to her family, to the world of Justice and to the American people.”
German Ambassador to the U.S. Emily Haber wrote: “Germany has often looked across the Atlantic, not only to the US, but to Justice Ginsburg herself — a pioneer for women, a standard-bearer, a fighter.”