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European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hosts a working lunch for a group of eminent, internationally awarded scientists. The exchange of views will focus on how to ensure Europe remains a centre of excellence for science, foster innovative ideas that are brought to market, and ensure that EU policy benefits from the best scientific advice.
The meeting will also be an opportunity to discuss how to best institutionalise independent scientific advice in the European Commission. After the mandate of the Chief Scientific Advisor came to an end with the conclusion of the previous Commission, President Juncker asked Commissioner Moedas to reflect on possible ways to ensure that the Commission draws on the best scientific advice, complementing existing in-house services and external expertise. While 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;
- brings together evidence and insights from different disciplines and approaches;
- is transparent.
To meet these objectives, the President endorsed Commissioner Moedas' recommendation to set up a mechanism for high quality, timely, independent scientific advice. The future mechanism will draw on the wide range of scientific expertise in Europe through a close relationship with national academies and other bodies, coordinated by a High-Level Group of Independent Scientists. Commissioner Moedas has now been tasked to implement this new arrangement over the coming months, involving other Commissioners and making the most of effective cooperation between Commission services.
Friday May 13, 2015/ EC/ European Union.
http://europa.eu/rapid/
