The Jacques Delors Institute pays tribute to Étienne Davignon

The Jacques Delors Institute learned with deep sadness of the passing of Étienne Davignon, member of our Board of Trustees, on 18 May 2026. Our President, Enrico Letta, our Director Sylvie Matelly, the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, as well as the entire team at the Jacques Delors Institute, pay tribute to his commitment and extend their most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Étienne Davignon began his career at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1959, where he served as Chief of Staff to Paul-Henri Spaak before becoming Director-General for Belgian foreign policy. In this capacity, he drafted in 1970 the report that bears his name, laying the foundations for European Political Cooperation.

In 1977, he joined the European Commission as Commissioner for Industrial Affairs, before being appointed Vice-President of the Commission, in charge of Industry, Research and Energy, a position he held until 1985.

After leaving the Commission, he continued his European engagement: he served as President of the Egmont Institute and of the Bilderberg Group, and was currently President of Friends of Europe and President Emeritus of Europe Jacques Delors.

The Jacques Delors Institute honours the memory of a man whose commitment to European integration left a lasting mark on our continent. We also recall his close relationship with Jacques Delors; their shared European commitment will continue through the activities of the Jacques Delors Friends of Europe Foundation and its member organisations, including the Jacques Delors Institute.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.