“We are all heirs to Jacques Delors’ life’s work: a living and prosperous European Union,” says the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

As she notes in her statement, Jacques Delors forged his vision of a united Europe and his commitment to peace during the dark hours of World War II.

“With remarkable intelligence and unparalleled humanity, he was the tireless champion of cooperation between European nations and subsequently of the development of European identity.

An idea brought to life thanks to, among other things, the creation of the Single Market, the Erasmus program and the first stages of a single currency, thus shaping a prosperous and strong European bloc”, points out the president of the European Commission.

It adds that “his presidency of the European Commission was characterized by a deep commitment to freedom, social justice and solidarity – values ​​that are now rooted in our Union”.

“Jacques Delors was a visionary who made Europe stronger. His work had a profound effect on the lives of generations of Europeans, including my own. We are deeply grateful to him.

Let us honor his legacy by constantly renewing and revitalizing our Europe,” concludes Ursula von der Leyen.

Charles Michel: Great Frenchman and great European

For his part, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, expresses his condolences to the family of the deceased and notes that “Jacques Delors led the transformation of the European Economic Community towards a true Union, based on humanitarian values ​​and supported by a single market and a single currency, the euro”.

“He was a passionate and concrete defender of it until his last days. A great Frenchman and a great European, he went down in history as one of those who built our Europe”, he adds.

Roberta Metsola: The EU is losing a giant

European Parliament President Roberta Metzola says that “with the death of Jacques Delors, the EU is losing a giant”.

“Europe’s last honorary citizen worked tirelessly as president of the European Commission and member of the European Parliament for a united Europe,” he noted, concluding that “generations of Europeans will continue to benefit from his legacy.”