It is with great sadness that the European People's Party Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) has learned of the passing of Isidoro Gottardo, who served as President of our political group from 2003 to 2010. He passed away at the age of 71.
A dedicated public servant, Isidoro Gottardo devoted his life to politics and the values of Christian Democracy. His career began at the local level in Sacile, where he served as Municipal Councillor from 1975 to 2018, including two terms as Mayor from 1985 to 1993. He went on to serve as Regional Councillor and Regional Minister in Friuli Venezia Giulia, holding key portfolios such as agriculture, hunting and fishing, and European affairs.
His leadership extended to the national stage, where he served as a Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies (2008–2013) and advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Isidoro’s deep commitment to subsidiarity and the role of local and regional authorities was also central to his work at the European level, where, as President of the EPP-CoR Group, he championed stronger regional governance, cohesion, and democratic participation across the EU.
Colleagues remember him as a man of principle, dialogue, and vision—a bridge-builder who believed in the European project and the essential role of local communities in shaping it.
On behalf of the EPP-CoR Group and its secretariat, EPP-CoR President Sari Rautio extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in Italy and across Europe. "His legacy continues to inspire all of us working to strengthen democracy from the ground up" she said.