Passing of Jacques Delors

The Brazilian government was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacques Delors, President of the European Commission between 1985 and 1995.

A former French Finance Minister, Delors was the longest serving president of the Commission. During his mandate, the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 laid the foundations of the European Union. Other important initiatives to advance the European integration process were also adopted during his administration, including the signing of the Schengen Agreement and the creation of the Erasmus educational cooperation program. Delors also chaired UNESCO's Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century.

The Brazilian government offers its heartfelt condolences to the French government and the European Union’s institutions, as well as to the family of Jacques Delors.