Former European Commission President Jacques Delors Dies at 98Former 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 EUROPE As Commission president from 1985-1995, Delors spearheaded landmark policies:
- Single Market – enabled free movement of people, goods and services
- Erasmus program – promoted student exchange
He thus helped crystallize the post-war European project centered on open borders and shared institutions. 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. Even after retiring, Delors continued championing ambitious integration. He warned of rising European populism after Brexit, urging bold, unifying action.
