Jacques Delors, Longtime President of European Commission, Dies at 97
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As president of the European Commission for 10 years, Delors was the main architect of a more unified Europe and the euro currency.
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He saw increased European integration as the way to avoid destructive nationalism and wars. Pushed economic and political integration, despite resistance.
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Battled with British PM Margaret Thatcher over his policies, which she saw as meddling in domestic affairs. Had better relations with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
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Oversaw major agreements like the Single European Act to establish a single market, and the Maastricht Treaty which paved the way for the euro.
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Towards the end of his tenure he was seen as arrogantly expanding EU power over members. Critics say he sparked a euroskeptic backlash in the 1990s.