It is with great sadness that we have learnt that the Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, passed away last night after a long-standing illness.

It is with great sadness that we have learnt that the Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, passed away last night after a long-standing illness.

Van der Laan, a lawyer by occupation, spent seven years in office where he committed to improve the daily lives of citizens and was involved in several projects to combat street violence and intimidation. His work as Minister for Housing, Communities and Integration had a very positive impact and was recognized by many.

Mayor Van der Laan bid farewell to the people of Amsterdam a few weeks ago, asking them to take care of the city and of each other.

He was member of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), a very active UCLG member association; and, as such, a part of the global family of local governments UCLG represents.