It is a hard time for AEGEE now. Before the General Assembly in Budapest, a call changed our mood. We were informed that Frank Biancheri, founder of AEGEE-Europe, had passed away on October 29th.

The members of AEGEE have reacted instantly to the news, sharing their memories of meeting him, remembering how innovative his ideas were, how he had the ability to create debate around him, making new ideas flourish in the minds of those who had the opportunity to meet him. His belief that youth was a necessary actor in the building of Europe has inspired generations of active citizens in Europe, inside and outside AEGEE, and we will miss his questioning approach to everything.

During the opening ceremony of Autumn Agora Budapest, we dedicated a minute of silence to Frank’s memory, and have also gathered messages for him and his family, from people who have been inspired by him, and wished to express their feelings.