Europe Jacques Delors pays tribute to Étienne Davignon

Europe Jacques Delors has learnt with sadness of the death of Étienne Davignon, Vice-President and Honorary President of Europe Jacques Delors, which occurred on 18 May 2026.

Pascal Lamy, Geneviève Pons, the members of the Board of Directors and the entire Europe Jacques Delors team pay tribute to his remarkable commitment to European integration and extend their sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

A major figure in European public life, Étienne Davignon devoted his career to strengthening European cooperation and integration. From his early days at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where in 1970 he drafted the Davignon Report, laying the foundations for European Political Cooperation, to his years as European Commissioner and Vice-President of the European Commission, he helped shape key chapters in Europe’s development.

“In 2019, when Pascal Lamy and I decided to establish Europe Jacques Delors, the third institute inspired by the thinking of Jacques Delors, we went to see his faithful friend, ‘Stevy’ Davignon, the person who had supported and guided him when he took his first steps as President of the European Commission, and with whom he also shared a passion for football.

‘Stevy’ accepted without hesitation and remained our President until the end of last year.

He was kind enough to encourage me to take over. We will miss his commitment and his friendship.”

Geneviève Pons, President and Director-General of Europe Jacques Delors

Europe Jacques Delors pays tribute to a man whose commitment to the European project has left its mark on our continent and on our organisation.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.