After a long illness and retirement, Enrique Ismael Rodríguez Martin, responsible for the promotion and internationalisation of the city of Gijón, passed away on Wednesday 4th August.
For more than two decades and in his role of coordination of the European Affairs of the Asturian city, Enrique Rodríguez always contributed to the development of the Atlantic Cities network. In this sense, his first great responsibility was the presidency of the network embodied by the Mayoress of Gijón, Mrs. Paz Fernández Felgueroso, between 2003 and 2005. After this key boost given to the network in its early years, Gijón has always remained linked to the Executive Bureau and currently holds the vice-presidency.
It is also necessary to mention his important role in European projects of the Atlantic Cities such as CULTUR*AT, Know Cities, TONETA or Atlantic Youth Creative Hubs. A great connoisseur of European programmes and networks, Enrique Rodríguez’s work has been recognised in programmes such as URBACT, Europe for Citizens and even within the Eurocities network.
The members of the network remember him for his talent as a mediator, his ability to create and mobilise networks, at local and European level, as well as for his true European vocation. Enrique Rodriguez dedicated his life to bringing Europe closer to its citizens and, above all, to bringing the voice of citizens to Europe, missions that are reflected today in the activities of the Atlantic Cities network.
The member cities of the network and the people involved in it express today their deepest condolences to Enrique’s family and to his colleagues in the City Council of Gijón.
Condolences can be sent HERE.
