Statement on the 100th Anniversary of Jacques Delors

We mark the 100th anniversary of Jacques Delors, a visionary who shaped the Europe we know today. His leadership as President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 transformed the European project into a dynamic, people centred union, one that balances economic progress with social justice and democratic legitimacy.

Jacques Delors understood that Europe is more than a market. He championed initiatives such as the creation of the Single Market, the Erasmus programme, and the strengthening of the EU’s social dimension. His belief that “Europe cannot just be an economic and technological enterprise, it must also be a social project” remains a guiding principle for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Delors saw the EESC as the “heart and soul of the European project,” a home for participatory democracy and structured dialogue. It is no coincidence that our main building proudly bears his name. This honour reflects his deep conviction that the voices of workers, employers, and civil society must shape European policies. He believed that lasting integration is only possible when it is built with the people and for the people.

Today, as we face profound economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical challenges, Delors’ vision is more relevant than ever. His call for solidarity, his insistence on social fairness, and his belief in a united, forward looking Europe continue to inspire us. At the EESC, we remain committed to carrying forward his legacy by fostering dialogue, building consensus, and ensuring that the European Union is not only efficient but also fair, inclusive, and close to its citizens.

Jacques Delors once reminded us that “Europe is a journey, not a destination.” On this anniversary, we honour his extraordinary contribution and renew our commitment to advancing the European project with the same courage, ambition, and humanity that defined his work.