Jacques Delors, architect of modern EU, dies aged 98
Former European Commission President Jacques Delor has died aged 98, his daughter says
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Former European Commission President Jacques Delor has died aged 98, his daughter says.
Known as the "architect of the EU", Delors helped design the single market allowing the free movement of people, goods and services between member states.
The French politician also pushed for the creation of the Euro.
He served as head of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995.
Delors' mission to bring Europe closer together was strongly opposed by Margret Thatcher at the time
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Delors' daughter Martine Aubry said he died in his sleep on Wednesday morning in his home in Paris.
Michel Barnier paid tribute to Delors, describing him as a "source of inspiration" in both French and EU politics.
He said the politician was a "humanist at the service of cooperation and solidarity between Europeans."
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said he was an “inexhaustible architect of our Europe” and a fighter for human justice.
He said: "His commitment, his ideals and his righteousness will always inspire us.
"I salute his work and his memory and share the pain of his loved ones."
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Delors' mission to bring Europe closer together was strongly opposed by Margret Thatcher at the time.
It led to several disagreements between London and Brussels.
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