Erik Bergkvist, a Swedish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Social Democrats, has passed away at the age of 58, after a battle with lung cancer.

Bergkvist, who hailed from Umeå and originally from Norsjö, became interested in politics during the nuclear power referendum in 1980. He served as a regional councilor in Västerbotten from 2008 until 2019, after which he was elected to the European Parliament.

In November, he publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis on Facebook, emphasizing the importance of open communication about difficult topics and hoping to inspire others to seek help or support friends in need.

Despite his illness, Bergkvist remained committed to his political work, particularly looking forward to negotiations on initiatives such as electric aviation, small modular reactors, and the European Disability Card.

His passing was announced by his wife on Facebook.

Bergkvist is remembered by colleagues for his pragmatic approach to politics, striving for Sweden's best interests without ego.

MEP Sara Skyttedal mourns the loss of a politician who, in her eyes, represented an increasingly rare breed of Social Democrat.

Bergkvist's contributions to regional development, industrial policy, and transportation, including the regulation of major European transport networks (Ten-T), mark his legacy in the European Parliament.