Former EU Commission president Jacques Delors dies at 98

Jacques Delors, the former president of the European Commission who pushed for the creation of the Euro currency, has died at the age of 98, his daughter told AFP on Wednesday, 27 December. He was a leading figure on the French left and a major architect of a more unified and integrated European project – a role that put him at odds with then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher. He was head of the Commission from 1985 to 1995, overseeing the Schengen border agreements, the launch of the Erasmus student exchange program, and the Economic and Monetary Union that ultimately led to the adoption of the Euro. Watch more here at Independent TV Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: