It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jacques Delors, the key architect of modern Europe, former president of the European Commission and one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. He was 1998.
A Frenchman by birth, Delors began his career as a civil servant at the Ministry of Finance in 1954. As the leader of France’s Planning Commissions and a disciple of President de Gaulle, Delors developed an unwavering commitment to the project of European integration.
It was in 1985 that he was appointed president of the European Commission – the executive arm of the European Union – and was hailed as its saviour – a position that allowed him to put forward his ambitious vision for the EU. He proposed the creation of a common currency, the euro, as well as increased social policies that would ensure basic rights to workers across Europe. Through these policies, Delors revolutionized the European Union and was a strong supporter of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.
Delors also made a significant contribution to the European single market project, which was finally achieved in 1993. This single market project eliminated barriers to the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour within the EU.
Throughout his life, Delors was an advocate of democracy and international cooperation, strongly believing in the strength of dialogue and the power of collective action over competition. His commitment to social policies was invaluable and enabled Europeans to enjoy greater security and entitlements.
He was awarded numerous distinctions and orders throughout his lifetime, among them the Order of Merit of the French Republic, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dutch Lion and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
With his passing, Europe has lost an inspiring leader and passionate idealist who opened Europe to the world and made a lasting impact on the course of history. His words of wisdom will remain with us, hollowed as a testament to his timeless legacy: “We must believe that the future of Europe is a reality, and not just an aspiration.”
Jacques Delors’ vision of the European Union will live on and through it may he rest in peace.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jacques Delors, the key architect of modern Europe, former president of the European Commission and one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. He was 1998.
A Frenchman by birth, Delors began his career as a civil servant at the Ministry of Finance in 1954. As the leader of France’s Planning Commissions and a disciple of President de Gaulle, Delors developed an unwavering commitment to the project of European integration.
It was in 1985 that he was appointed president of the European Commission – the executive arm of the European Union – and was hailed as its saviour – a position that allowed him to put forward his ambitious vision for the EU. He proposed the creation of a common currency, the euro, as well as increased social policies that would ensure basic rights to workers across Europe. Through these policies, Delors revolutionized the European Union and was a strong supporter of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.
Delors also made a significant contribution to the European single market project, which was finally achieved in 1993. This single market project eliminated barriers to the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour within the EU.
Throughout his life, Delors was an advocate of democracy and international cooperation, strongly believing in the strength of dialogue and the power of collective action over competition. His commitment to social policies was invaluable and enabled Europeans to enjoy greater security and entitlements.
He was awarded numerous distinctions and orders throughout his lifetime, among them the Order of Merit of the French Republic, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dutch Lion and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
With his passing, Europe has lost an inspiring leader and passionate idealist who opened Europe to the world and made a lasting impact on the course of history. His words of wisdom will remain with us, hollowed as a testament to his timeless legacy: “We must believe that the future of Europe is a reality, and not just an aspiration.”
Jacques Delors’ vision of the European Union will live on and through it may he rest in peace.
