Jacques Delors, the influential French politician and architect of the eurozone, passed away at the age of 98, his daughter said on Wednesday.
As the longest-serving president of the European Commission from 1985, Delors was instrumental in shaping a more unified Europe. He championed the concept of a common currency, eventually leading to the adoption of the Euro, a currency that now unites 20 nations and is recognized as one of the world’s strongest.
During his tenure, Delors faced challenges such as the financial instability of southern European countries like Spain and Italy, and managed to maintain unity within the EU, particularly as the UK and other northern nations expressed reluctance to support their less affluent counterparts.
He also navigated the complexities of migration, which stirred political tensions and threatened the cohesion of the union.
The Euro, conceived in a 1989 report named after Delors, was a groundbreaking concept proposing a single currency for multiple independent countries.
After a decade of debates, the currency was adopted, marking a significant milestone in European integration.
Delors’ term also saw the establishment of the Schengen Zone, a critical EU policy enabling free movement between member states.
This facilitated the relocation of less wealthy workers to more prosperous regions, boosting European tourism by eliminating border gates and passport checks.
Viewing a unified Europe as a formidable counterpart to the United States and Japan, Delors, who grew up during wartime, believed in the power of political and economic solidarity to prevent global conflict. Even after retirement, he continued advocating for European unity, advising leaders to collaborate during the COVID-19 pandemic and warning against rising nationalism.
European leaders have expressed admiration for Delors’ legacy. Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission President, described him as a “visionary” who strengthened Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron commended Delors’ dedication and integrity, recognizing his significant contributions as an economics minister in France and as a leader in the EU.
Delors leaves behind his daughter, Martine Aubry, a prominent figure in French politics and former leader of the Socialist Party, to which Delors also belonged.