Jacques Delors, the former President of the European Commission who is credited with having shaped the European Union, passed away on Wednesday at the ripe age of 98.
Delors, who was born into a family of teachers in Paris, France, first rose to public prominence in the 1980s, when he served as the French Government’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget. He then served three terms as the President of the European Commission between 1985 and 1995; during his tenure, he was influential in the creation of the European monetary system, laid the groundwork for the Euro, and his contributions to employment and social policy were the foundation of the EU’s fundamental values of democracy, solidarity, freedom, and human rights.
Delors was also instrumental in the introduction of European citizenship, which granted citizens of EU member states certain rights and freedoms, and he advocated for greater economic and social policy coordination between EU countries. Throughout his career, Delors was known for improving Europe’s post-war economic indicator numbers, and he was instrumental in the process of European integration.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, called Delors’ death “a moment of great sadness”, and credited Delors for “four decades of passionate commitment to European integration”. Furthermore, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen quoted Delors’ famous 1993 phrase to say, “This Europe of ours is built around solidarity”, an ideology which Delors himself held dear.
Due to his unprecedented contribution to the European Union, Jacques Delors will be remembered fondly by many. His achievements in the European project, such as the European Citizens’ Initiative and the creation of the Single Market, are regarded as instrumental in forging an interconnected and prosperous European space. He has left behind a legacy like none other, and he will live on in the hearts and minds of many.
