The passing of former European Commission President Jacques Delors has left an indelible mark on the European Union. If the EU were a single country, millions of its citizens would be mourning his departure, as Delors unquestionably shaped the lives of the last two generations of Europeans. Although his contributions often go unnoticed in today’s increasingly complex European landscape, Delors’ legacy continues to influence the continent profoundly.
Jacques Delors served as the President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995, leading the EU during a critical period. What sets him apart is that he wasn’t a career politician but a self-taught trade unionist who transitioned into public service and politics later in life. Delors believed in the European project more than his own nation, emphasizing the importance of Europe over individual countries.
Delors played a pivotal role in several landmark EU achievements, which continue to benefit Europeans today. The Erasmus program, for instance, has enabled 11 million students to participate in life-changing educational experiences, fostering a sense of European identity and cooperation. The Schengen Agreement, another Delors-driven initiative, facilitates borderless travel across most EU countries, making it easier for Europeans to explore the continent. Additionally, the introduction of EU citizenship in 1992 allowed citizens to settle anywhere within the bloc, promoting mobility and unity. Delors’ leadership also saw the establishment of the single market and the adoption of the euro, both of which have had a profound impact on businesses and citizens alike.
Delors’ approach to European integration was distinctive. He understood the logic of European integration and mastered its methods through his unique experiences. He recognized that the EU was fundamentally a political project realized through economic means. Thus, he focused on the single market and economic and monetary union as key aspects of the European project, aiming to create a more prosperous and integrated Europe.
Delors’ ability to craft persuasive narratives and employ the Community method, where the Commission proposes initiatives for adoption by the Parliament and Council, helped garner support for his ambitious reforms. Instead of pressuring member countries into unwanted directions, he creatively reconciled short-term needs with long-term vision, exemplified by his 1985 white paper on completing the internal market.
In today’s rapidly changing EU landscape, leaders can learn valuable lessons from Delors’ approach. His commitment to long-term problem-solving and his dedication to the European project remain relevant in an era of growing challenges. Delors’ legacy serves as a reminder that anyone aspiring to continue his work must not merely complete his unfinished project but relaunch it with the same commitment, rigor, and creative thinking that defined the tenure of one of Europe’s greatest leaders.
