Erik Bergkvist originally comes from Norsjö and became interested in politics in connection with the nuclear referendum in 1980.
He was a regional councilor in Västerbotten between 2008 and 2019. In 2019, he was elected as a member of the European Parliament.
Suffered from lung cancer
In November of last year, Bergkvist said in a post on Facebook that he had suffered from lung cancer:
“In the spring, this term of office will be tied together. I have been very much looking forward to the final negotiations on electric aircraft, small modular reactors and the European disability card, among many other things. Now me and my loved ones have been given a new big task to take on. I will therefore participate in the political work when I can,” he wrote in the post.
Erik Bergkvist died on Tuesday, February 20.
“Both politicians and researchers”
Heléne Fritzon, the Social Democrats’ delegation leader in the EU Parliament, writes in a comment that it is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that she was reached by the news of Bergkvist’s passing:
“Erik was a person who was always curious. A person who always asked follow-up questions. He was both a politician and a scientist. Conversations with Erik were always characterized by both seriousness and laughter. These are conversations I will miss a lot. Erik was not only a dedicated and driven politician, but also a warm-hearted person who touched the lives of many within our political group and beyond. I will miss his guidance, his wisdom and his genuine commitment to making a positive difference in Europe and the rest of the world”.
Erik Bergkvist was 58 years old.