Jacques Delors: Architect of the European Union, passes away at 98

Former European Commission President Jacques Delors, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the euro currency, passed away at the age of 98 on Wednesday, as announced by the Jacques Delors Institute, a think tank that he established. Delors, a prominent Socialist, had a distinguished political career in France, serving as finance minister under President François Mitterrand in the early 1980s before assuming the presidency of the EU Commission in 1985.

During his decade-long presidency, Delors had the longest tenure in the institution's history and significantly influenced the development of modern Europe. Under his leadership, the European Union underwent substantial changes, implementing crucial reforms such as the Single European Act, the Schengen Agreement, the Erasmus student exchange program, a revamp of the Common Agricultural Policy, and the establishment of the Economic and Monetary Union, ultimately resulting in the creation of the Euro currency.

In March 2020, he called on EU heads of state and government to show greater solidarity at a time when they were squabbling over a common response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Delors on X, calling the late statesman a "visionary who made our Europe stronger."

In March 2020, he urged EU leaders to demonstrate increased solidarity during their disagreements over a unified Covid-19 response. Current Commission President Ursula von der Leyen honored Delors on X, referring to the late statesman as a "visionary who strengthened our Europe."

European Council President Charles Michel addressed the media at an EU summit in Brussels on Dec. 14, 2023, to discuss the commencement of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.

Hungary blocks Ukraine's aid deal while the EU allows for membership talks. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Delors as "a statesman with a French destiny, an unflagging architect of our Europe," and "a champion of human justice."

The French President praised his dedication, principles, and integrity, stating that they will continue to motivate and influence us. He honored the work and memory of X and expressed condolences to his loved ones. Delors started his career at the Banque de France in 1945, where his father had also worked. He later earned an economics degree from the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. In 1950, he became an economic adviser for the Christian Trade Union Confederation.

After 17 years at the Banque de France, where he rose to the executive level, Delors left to lead the social affairs division of the states General Planning Commission. From 1969 to 1972, he served as chief adviser on social affairs to Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas and was a member of his cabinet. Additionally, he held the role of associate professor at the University of Paris-Dauphine from 1974 to 1979.

In 1974, Delors became a member of the Socialist Party and was elected to the European Parliament five years later. He chaired its economic and monetary affairs committee until May 1981 when he was appointed French Finance Minister by then-President Francois Mitterrand. Furthermore, he took on the role of Mayor of Clichy from 1983 to 1984.

The UK tabloid newspaper The Sun gained notoriety for its 1990 "Up Yours Delors" headline, which opposed Delors' plans for increased European Union integration.

After his term at the European Commission ended in 1995, Delors was seen as a potential candidate for the French presidency but ultimately decided not to run. In 1996, he established his own think tank. His daughter, Martine Aubry, is a prominent French politician and former leader of the French Socialist Party.