President seeks to reassure top scientists over EFSI
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has hosted a working lunch for eminent scientists to focus on how to ensure Europe remains a centre of scientific excellence.
Also discussed at the event held on Wednesday in Brussels is how Europe can foster innovative ideas that are brought to market as well as ensure that EU policy benefits from the best scientific advice. Juncker is also continuing to emphasise the benefits of the Investment Plan for Europe to funding research.
Internationally awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners that attended the working lunch include Sir Paul Nurse, Jules Hoffmann, Serge Haroche, László Lovász, Jean Tirole and Edvard Ingjald Moser. Joining Juncker from the College of Commissioners were the Vice-President responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, Jyrki Katainen, and the Commissioner responsible for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas.
Juncker said: “The world has changed, but for our society to continue advancing, and our economy to grow, we need the highest ambition in pursuing knowledge, breakthroughs and innovations. For that to happen, a formidable brain alone doesn’t always suffice. We need additional sources of finance and investment for research and innovation.
“The Investment Plan for Europe will play a fundamental role in achieving that. Investing in research is a priority for Europe. We are currently in the last miles of negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to get the EFSI up and running.
“I am actively working with the co-legislators to make sure that the potential short term impact on fundamental research – which I know has been a concern in the research community – is minimised.”
Trialogue negotiations are currently taking place between MEPs and EU member states.
