Former European Commission president Jacques Delors, regarded as one of the chief architects of the modern European Union (EU) and the bloc’s common currency Euro, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 98.
Delors died in his sleep at his Paris residence, his daughter and former French minister Martine Aubry announced. As tributes poured in, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Delors as an “inexhaustible craftsman of our Europe” whose commitment and ideals will continue inspiring future generations.
The veteran French statesman served a record three terms at the helm of the EU’s executive body from 1985 to 1995 – longer than any other president in history. He is credited with shaping the post-Cold War identity of the European Community and driving greater political and economic integration among members.
Delors’ most significant legacy remains laying the groundwork of the Euro project which saw the establishment of the Eurozone, European Central Bank, and the eventual introduction of Euro banknotes and coins. His stewardship increased EU membership from 10 countries in 1985 to 15 in 1995.
As French Finance Minister between 1981-1984, Delors also formulated radical economic reforms alongside President Francois Mitterand to tackle inflation and boost growth.
The socialist stalwart came from a modest background but ended up wielding immense influence over European politics and economics due to his strength of character, clarity of vision, and skills of persuasion.
His death at 98 leaves the EU devoid of one of its tallest founding stalwarts when the bloc faces deep divisions over immigration, energy, nationalism, and its future identity. Delors’s life’s work remains immortalized in the European integration he helped advance.
