In dying (2023), Jaques Delors, President of the European Commission 1985-1995, transitioned from being a dedicated servant of Europe to becoming one of its prophets—perhaps even a founding father. Today, he is viewed as a principal architect of the European Union. Yet is there truly a seamless continuity between the man, his vision for Europe, and the legacy to which so many now lay claim? Was Delors an extraordinary individual, or a product of the complex era that shaped his presidency, or is the truth to be found somewhere in between? Conversely, what imprint did he leave on the critical turning points of his time, and more broadly on European societies and the challenges of today? This book seeks to explore these questions by reflecting lucidly and critically on Delors’ relationship with Europe and on his many legacies.
