Collette Flesch (right) is also a former fencer, having represented Luxembourg in three Summer Olympics. Photothèque de la Ville de Luxembourg / Charles Soubry

Collette Flesch (right) is also a former fencer, having represented Luxembourg in three Summer Olympics. Photothèque de la Ville de Luxembourg / Charles Soubry

Flesch served as DP mayor of Luxembourg City (1970-1980), MP (1969-80, 1984-89, 2004-2009), cabinet member and deputy prime minister (1980-84), MEP (1969-1980, 1984-85, 1989-90 and 1999-2004) and as European commission director general for culture, communication and sports (1990-99).

On 6 July, her commitment to the world of politics was recognised when the city awarded Flesch the 2017 Anne Beffort prize.

Flesch, now aged 80, is also a former fencer, having represented Luxembourg in the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics.

The Anne Beffort prize, which was founded in 2003, is named after the co-founder and first female teacher at the Lycée des Jeunes Filles in Luxembourg.

Worth €3,000 euros, the prize is awarded to an individual, a non-profit organisation, group or institution working to promote equal opportunities between the sexes in the capital.