27 February 2025
State Minister Herbert Mertin, Member of the State Parliament (1958-2025)
The Academy of European Law mourns the loss of its Executive Board member, Herbert Mertin, who passed away on 21 February at the age of 66 in Koblenz.
As the successor to our Academy’s co-founder, Peter Caesar, Herbert Mertin was first appointed Minister of Justice of Rhineland-Palatinate in September 1999. He played a key role in advancing the reform of the Academy’s statute in March 2000, which led to his appointment as a member of the newly established Executive Board on behalf of the state. This reform paved the way for the successful inclusion of all European Union Member States in the foundation.
Following the departure of his party, the FDP, from the state government in 2006, Mertin resigned his position on the Board. However, in 2016, when the state’s first ‘traffic light’ coalition government was formed, he was reappointed Minister of Justice and, in this capacity, returned to the ERA Board. Once again, he ensured the state’s continued support of the Academy.
With the passing of Herbert Mertin, the Academy has lost a loyal friend and a key supporter. Our sincere condolences go to his family.
Jean-Claude Juncker Sabine Verheyen
President of the Governing Board Chairperson of the Executive Board
Wolfgang Heusel Jean-Philippe Rageade
Former Director of ERA (2000-2020) Director of the Academy
