The world lost a great statesman when Jacques Delors passed away on November 16. His death marks the end of an era in European politics. Delors was a key figure in the founding of the European Union. He served as President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 and is credited with helping to shape the modern European Union.
As President of the European Commission, Delors focused on furthering European integration. He is noted for his efforts to promote economic and monetary union, which led to the establishment of the Euro. He also set in motion the completion of the single market, allowing citizens and businesses to move freely and buy and sell goods and services across Europe’s borders. In addition, Delors spearheaded negotiations to create the European Social Charter, which set out minimum standards concerning the rights of workers in the European Union.
Delors was also a great champion of environmental protection. He used his position to push for adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark agreement on climate change that aimed to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases. His efforts helped to pave the way for the establishment of the European Environment Agency.
Delors’ legacy extends beyond economics and environment to culture and education. As President, Delors declared that “all citizens of Europe should have access to quality education and to all the resources necessary to enable them to fulfil their potential.” He outlined a strategy called “Culture 2000”, which sought to bring together Europe’s cultural heritage in order to improve quality of life and promote human rights.
Jacques Delors will be remembered as a great statesman who shaped the future of the European Union. He was a visionary who had a profound understanding of what Europe could become. His death is a great loss for Europe, but his legacy will remain for generations to come.