Former European Commission President Jacques Delors Dies at 98

December 28, 2023

Former European Commission President Jacques Delors passed away recently at age 98. The French statesman was instrumental in major EU integration milestones but drew the ire of euroskeptics in Britain.

Unifying Europe

As Commission president from 1985-1995, Delors spearheaded landmark policies:

Single Market – enabled free movement of people, goods and services
Schengen Agreement – allowed borderless travel
Euro currency – established economic and monetary union
Erasmus program – promoted student exchange

He thus helped crystallize the post-war European project centered on open borders and shared institutions.

Backlash in the UK

However, Delors’ federalist vision was deeply controversial for British conservatives aiming to limit EU powers.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher lambasted his proposal for tighter euro zone integration. Tabloids labeled him a meddling Brussels bureaucrat.

While both supported the Single Market, Thatcher feared the euro and political union could override British parliamentary sovereignty.

True to Form

Even after retiring, Delors continued championing ambitious integration. He warned of rising European populism after Brexit, urging bold, unifying action.

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