Overview

• Jacques Delors, a key figure in the development of the European Union and the euro, has died at the age of 98.
• Delors served as the president of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995, during which time he oversaw significant economic integration within the EU.
• He was instrumental in the creation of the euro, which is now the official currency for 20 of the 27 EU nations.
• Despite resistance, particularly from Britain under Margaret Thatcher, Delors was a staunch advocate for a more united Europe.
• Delors' vision of a federal Europe was met with resistance, and his tenure saw the only departure from the Union, when Britain left in 2020.