Jacques Delors, the esteemed figure who presided over the European Commission from 1985 to 1995, breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 98. Revered as one of the key visionaries behind the European internal market and the single currency, Delors' legacy is imprinted on pivotal milestones in European economic and political history.

A distinguished former French finance minister and European Parliament lawmaker, Delors left an indelible mark during his tenure as the President of the European Commission. His visionary leadership was instrumental in shepherding critical initiatives such as the Single European Act of 1987, a transformative leap towards economic integration across Europe. Additionally, Delors played a pivotal role in the formulation of the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, a landmark accord that birthed the European Union and laid the groundwork for the eventual adoption of the euro currency.

Delors' impact extended beyond economic realms as he was a driving force behind the creation of the Schengen passport-free travel area, fostering greater mobility within the continent. His legacy also encompasses the expansion of the EU through enlargement, the establishment of the Erasmus student exchange program, and the initiation of cohesion funds designed to uplift development in economically challenged nations.

The profound contributions of Jacques Delors to the European project have left an enduring imprint on the continent's journey toward unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity. As the world bids farewell to this stalwart architect of European integration, his visionary legacy continues to resonate across the European landscape.