The European Medicines Agency announces with deep sadness the death of Noël Wathion, its former Deputy Executive Director, on 12 August 2023. 

Our most profound sympathies and condolences go to Noël’s family and friends. He was 66 and leaves behind his wife, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

“Noël stood for everything that is best about EMA and the European Union. He was passionate about public health, he cared about people, and he was deeply committed to the European idea,” said Emer Cooke, EMA’s Executive Director. “We have lost a dear friend, who has touched the lives of so many.”

Mr Wathion retired from EMA in 2021, after an exceptional career of service to public health in the EU, lasting over 30 years, during which he supported five Executive Directors and occupied many different roles and responsibilities, both with in EMA and in a national capacity. A pharmacist by training and a Belgian national, his first connection to EMA was made in 1995 as the…