Remembering David Gow: A Pillar of European Journalism

David Gow, the former Germany correspondent and European business editor for The Guardian, passed away at the age of 80 due to a heart attack. Known for his unwavering dedication to social justice and the European Union, Gow's influence extended far beyond his years at the newspaper.

Gow began his journalism career in 1969 as a graduate trainee at the Scotsman. He quickly made his mark, becoming the publication’s first Europe correspondent. His career trajectory continued to rise as he took on roles as the labour correspondent and ultimately as the London editor after nearly two decades with the newspaper.

In 1989, Gow transitioned to The Guardian, where he initially served as the education editor. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Bonn, where he reported on a pivotal era in Germany’s postwar narrative, including the historic reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. His time in Bonn, spanning nearly six years, allowed him to cover significant political changes in the country.

With a background in modern languages from Oxford, Gow was fluent in both French and German. This linguistic prowess, combined with his journalistic skills, made him an invaluable asset to the business and industry desk in London. Eventually, he took on the role of European business correspondent in Brussels, where he remained until his retirement in 2012.

Simon Tisdall, a former foreign editor at The Guardian, reflected on Gow’s professional reliability, stating, "David was an impressively professional journalist, the kind of versatile correspondent who would never let you down. He tackled breaking stories with speed and skill." Tisdall emphasized Gow’s extensive knowledge of European affairs, not just in politics but also in the history and culture of the regions he reported on, making him a pleasure to work with.

Gow was a staunch supporter of European integration, having formed his views long before the UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973. The Brexit referendum felt like a personal setback to him, prompting him to remain active in European discourse through his writing for various think tanks and publications even after his departure from The Guardian.

Henning Meyer, the chief executive and editor-in-chief of the progressive debate platform Social Europe, expressed profound sorrow over Gow's passing. Meyer stated, "David was instrumental in shaping European intellectual debate and defining the direction of the Social Europe platform. He will be profoundly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife and family." Gow contributed to Social Europe for many years, serving as both a contributor and senior adviser.

Beyond his work with The Guardian, Gow also served as a consultant editor for the Jacques Delors Centre in Berlin. He was a prominent figure in the pressure group European Movement in Scotland (EMiS). After retiring, he settled in Edinburgh, his birthplace, with his second wife, Gayle.

EMiS remarked on Gow’s extensive knowledge and ability to simplify complex issues, calling him a "thoughtful, engaging, and helpful" individual. They noted that he was an "ever-dependable adviser and the best of company," highlighting the loss felt by his friends and colleagues. In recognition of his contributions to journalism and public understanding of European affairs, Gow was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2023.

David Gow's legacy as a journalist is marked by his commitment to social justice and European integration. His work not only informed readers but also shaped the discourse around European affairs. As we remember Gow, we celebrate a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth, understanding, and community engagement, qualities that will be missed by all who knew him.