Jacques Delors was President of the European Commission from 1985-95, helping to make this a period of extraordinary transformation in Europe. During his tenure the European Community became the European Union: a single market on its way to a common currency. More recently, the pace of change has slowed, even stalled. Delors, 81, hopes the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome will give member states new impetus in building the E.U. He spoke with Time about Europe's future, its tumultuous past and why it's still "the Continent of doubt."
TIME: You have said that Europe risks unraveling. Why?
Jacques Delors: The European Union has been through other crises, but this one is more serious. None of the 27 member governments has stepped up to frankly explain what they really think we are building the Union for. We need fresh air, and fresh air comes through talking clearly about our future.
What have 50 years of the E.U. and its precursors achieved?
It's absolutely spectacular how we've stimulated the exchange of services, goods and capital, and even the free circulation of people. But in terms of cooperation, I'm still waiting. In 1993 I proposed reforms to strengthen cooperation and add value in areas under national control, like infrastructure for transportation, communication and information technologies. On that score, Europe has not evolved as I'd hoped.
How else does today's Europe differ from your expectations?
I had not imagined we would be 27 members. In the 1960s I thought we would grow a little. Though they were under authoritarian regimes, I thought Greece, Spain and Portugal would one day join us. But I didn't know the Berlin Wall would fall.
What were your ambitions for the Continent?
At the beginning of the 1970s, I was in the Cabinet of French Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas and I watched the dollar wavering, the end of the Bretton Woods system and the first oil crisis. Faced with all that, I saw Europe as helpless, disabled and divided. I said to myself that, if this continues, it will undoubtedly mean the decline of Europe. The first measures I proposed as President of the European Commission permitted us to unite and react together against great shocks from outside, and to become more competitive.
To most Europeans, national identity is still more important than any pan-European identity.
That doesn't shock me; I myself am a French citizen first, and then a European. What shocks me is the notion that, by withdrawing into our own corners, we will resolve the great challenges of globalization and technological progress.
Europeans do not shy away from examining dark phases in their history. Is this a part of the European identity?
Yes, for a simple reason. Europe is the Continent of doubt, philosophically speaking. We have always been men and women who, especially in intellectual life, have called into question our own judgments. This gives a unique flavor and drama to life; that's the European personality.
Why do some member states oppose Turkey's E.U. entry?
It's due to their anxiety about globalization, and to an underestimation of the spiritual and geopolitical stakes at hand. The battle being waged against terrorism is a battle of convictions. We need to show that the Christian world doesn't reject the Muslim world, because when we do that, we encourage the extremists.
Are you disappointed that candidates in the current French presidential campaign rarely mention the E.U.?
Oh, yes, I'm disappointed — to the point of indignation.
Do you regret never having run for France's top job? Polls indicated you might have won.
In 1994 I judged that unfortunately the conditions were not right. I would like to have been Minister of Education, though.
You're still active ...
I have been working for 63 years. For a country with a retirement age of 60, that's not bad, huh? My only regret is that for various reasons I can't travel much anymore. New York is the best stimulant there is. I haven't been for four years. I'm in withdrawal!