Dr Georg Reisch (1930-2025)

Dr Georg Reisch, who served as Secretary-General of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) from 1988 to 1994, passed away on 1 January at the age of 94.

Dr Reisch led EFTA during a transformative period in European integration, notably through the negotiations of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). This groundbreaking agreement established a structured and effective partnership between EFTA States and the European Community, extending the common market to the EFTA States and introducing joint institutions and new forms of cooperation. Reflecting on this pivotal time, Dr Reisch described the period from 1989 to early 1992 as “probably the most challenging and intellectually captivating period in EFTA’s history” in a publication marking the 15th anniversary of the EEA Agreement.

Born in Vienna on 23 May 1930, Dr Reisch joined Austria’s Foreign Service in 1960. His distinguished diplomatic career included roles as Ambassador to Kenya and Head of Austria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

On behalf of EFTA’s Member States and the Secretariat, I express our profound gratitude for Dr Reisch’s dedication to EFTA and to European integration. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.

Kurt Jäger
Secretary-General, EFTA