Juncker endorses new scientific guidance tool
The European Commission has announced details of a new tool for independent scientific advice.
The development comes after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker asked Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, to reflect on possible ways to ensure the Commission draws on the best scientific advice, complementing existing in-house services and external expertise.
Juncker has now approved a recommendation by Moedas to set up a mechanism for high quality, timely, independent scientific advice. The future instrument will draw on the wide range of scientific expertise in Europe through a close relationship with national academies and other bodies, co-ordinated by a high level group of independent scientists. Moedas has now been tasked to implement this new arrangement over the coming months, involving other commissioners and making the most of effective co-operation between Commission services.
Commenting, the commissioner said: “In combination with the forthcoming proposals on better regulation, the new model for independent scientific advice will contribute to the Commission’s continued pursuit of the best possible evidence-based policy. This will be a significant step forward for an effective European Commission that delivers for citizens, and addresses the major societal challenges which Europe faces.”
The Commission says that whilst international experience shows that there is no single model for providing such advice, the overall objective is to ensure that scientific advice is independent of institutional or political interests, bringing together evidence and insights from different disciplines and approaches, and is transparent in nature.
The new instrument comes after the mandate of the chief scientific advisor ended under the Barroso II Commission.
