The executive director of the European Medicines Agency Emer Cooke has been named as 'European of the Year'.
The Irish woman, who was at the forefront of the EU's battle against Covid, will receive the award from European Movement Ireland during a ceremony at the Royal College of Surgeons this evening.
European Movement Ireland said that the award "recognises and pays tribute to individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to developing the connections and relationship between Ireland and Europe".
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will present the award.
Mr Donnelly said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to formally recognise the achievements of Emer Cooke and her contribution to developing the connections and relationship between Ireland and Europe.
"Her service and commitment is a shining example to us all and I am delighted that Emer has been selected as the very worthy recipient of the European of the Year award."
Ms Cooke said that it is a great honour to receive this award and she is "delighted to join such an illustrious list of previous recipients".
"Although this award is an honour at a personal level, I see European Movement Ireland as also celebrating the many men and women who worked tirelessly over more than two years on confronting the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Among them, the dedicated professional team which I am privileged to lead within the European Medicines Agency and the scientific committees made up of European experts who do so much of the hard, unseen work.
"I am extremely grateful to everyone who has worked with me over the years and the commitment they share with me to the advancement of public health in Europe and beyond."
Chairperson of European Movement Ireland Julie Sinnamon said that Ms Cooke had through her work as executive director of the EMA had "earned the trust, confidence and understanding of millions of Europeans".
