This document falls into two very distinct parts, in both form and substance.

The first part reprints almost word-for-word a small booklet of reminiscences written by Joseph Gilles several years after stepping down as COFACE’s President. It was published in July 2000, although he ceased to be President in December 1987. It is written in a chatty, light-hearted tone, with a dash of humour and occasional waspishness. It was read over by some of his former colleagues, and what was written in the first person was changed to the third person. Some passages were shortened or adapted slightly. But it remains J. Gilles’ work.

The second part is very different. It is more of a review of the European political and institutional context in which COFACE operated, especially from 2000 onwards, with the odd look back at the past to clarify why things went the way they did. This second part was mainly written by William Lay, who is increasingly seen as COFACE’s living memory, not only because he was there during the transition from the Gilles to post-Gilles period, but because he is still in post today, and has lived the European developments day by day.