"Excellence in the field of science and research is a value which is very high on the agenda of the Luxembourg government"

©MSAN

"Dear colleagues from the Commission,

Dear committee members,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

• It is a great honour for me to welcome you in Luxembourg at this very special occasion.

• Three years ago, on the 11^th of April 2013, my predecessor had the pleasure to open the first plenary meeting of the scientific committees here in Luxembourg after their transferal from Brussels.

• Back then, we felt extremely privileged to have been designated as the new seat of the committees – and we still are!

• Over the three last years, indeed, the committees have continued to build their ever increasing reputation as centers of excellence in the field of risk evaluation based on sound scientific advice and most recent evidence.

Dear members of the committees,

• Those of you whose mandate is ongoing, I would like to warmly thank you for your commitment and excellent work. And those of you who have been newly appointed, I would like to address my congratulations and hearty welcome.

• Your work is extremely valuable for the Commission and for us health ministers who rely heavily on independent scientific advice every time we plan new proposals and strategies in the field of consumer safety, health and environmental risk as well as newly emerging health risks.

• But let’s not forget that your advice is also of great interest for our citizens.

• I welcome the transparency of your work that allows everyone to study your opinions as soon as it is published on your website.

•  By reaching out to the public your work has a concrete impact on the daily life of the over 508 million people living in the European Union.

• Most striking examples are your opinions on additives contained in tobacco products and their impact on adolescents, the safety of bisphenol A or of dental amalgam, cosmetics, toys, or sunbeds.

• Citizens are confronted with those topics every day. And you help to raise their awareness to new and emerging problems and on the possible risks they are likely to encounter.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

• Excellence in the field of science and research is a value which is very high on the agenda of the Luxembourg government.

• Over the last years, Luxembourg has been shaping up for the future by encouraging diversification above the traditional fields of activities for which we are known.

• The emphasis has been laid on education, research and innovation, the new cornerstones for the new orientation of our country in the middle of Europe.

• The recently founded university is a dynamic driving force behind the emerging knowledge-based society where international excellence meets multilingual teaching and interdisciplinary research.

• Against this background, the work of the committees fits perfectly with our willingness to reinvent ourselves and to become an international hub for innovation and research.

Distinguished audience,

• Later on today you will discover that, although we are firmly oriented towards the future, we haven’t forgotten our past.

• The guided tour will take you to the most pittoresque spots of our historic city center and will help you to understand where our renowned openness and profound attachment for the project of a European Union comes from. 

• I am looking forward to the next occasion on which I can welcome you again in Luxembourg and I wish you a delightful stay in our capital.

• Thank you for your attention."