Minister awards Geoghegan-Quinn Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur

The European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science has received France’s highest national award.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn collected the Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur from the French Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research, Geneviève Fioraso, in a ceremony in Brussels. The outgoing European commissioner from Ireland received the award in recognition of her contribution to the European project.

Presenting the award to Geoghegan-Quinn, Fioraso said: “This republican homage from France is due to the recognition of her major role in the set-up of Horizon 2020, an €80bn programme in support of science, research and innovation. This programme will be a central driver for the economic recovery process in Europe, as it will create both high-skilled jobs and new goods and services.

“Altogether, the commissioner has increased the necessary support for scientific excellence and blue sky research. Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn successfully won the support of the 28 EU governments at a time of tight budgetary constraint. This official recognition from the French Government is thus truly deserved regarding her commitment to European development, innovation and progress.”

The Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is the first modern order awarded on personal merit only. The award is open to men and women from all ranks and professions without distinction of birth, wealth, or social standing.