Thank you for the introduction, Jesper.
Dear Maria,
Dear guests,
Thank you for inviting me today where we mark the beginning of the ERC-week here in Copenhagen. A whole week dedicated to excellent European research and innovation.
I have said this before, but I think it is worth repeating:
For Europe to compete globally, we need world-class research. And the ERC is essential in making that possible.
For nearly two decades, the ERC has produced remarkable results and opened extraordinary opportunities for some of Europe’s brightest minds. It has grown into a symbol of excellence that we can all take pride in.
Here in Denmark, we feel an extra connection, as the idea for the ERC first took shape during the Danish Presidency in 2002. We like to think of ourselves as its unofficial founders.
True or not, it is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all to Copenhagen for the ERC Week.
We are in a new world order where research and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in the future of our continent.
Time to stand on our own
Europe can no longer rely on others to come to our rescue when things are difficult. Whether it concerns energy, technology or security.
Our strategic autonomy has become an important factor. Not because we want to turn our back to the world. But because we want to stand stronger in it.
Because we want to protect everything we believe in and have built together now when we see that values are shifting and alliances are changing.
One of the founding fathers of the EU, Jean Monnet, wrote in his memoir:
“Tout est possible dans les moments exceptionnels, à condition que l’on soit prêt, que l’on ait un projet clair à l’instant où tout est confus"
Or in English:
“Anything is possible in exceptional moments, as long as you’re ready, as long as you have a clear project at the moment when everything is confused.”
This is the exceptional moment where everything is a bit confused. The world order as we have known it since World War II has changed.
More than anything, we need a clear project and direction. And science and innovation are at the heart of that ambition.
Europe is privileged by having some of the world’s most talented researchers and innovators. There is an abundance of ideas across our continent. It is not talent we lack.
We need to get better at setting a direction.
More of our ideas and research results can and should be transformed into businesses and products that can compete on the market and make a difference.
So that Europe has the strength and innovation power to stand strong in a world that is changing.
A global technology race
The global technology race is an important factor here. We need to invest strategically in the technologies of the future: Quantum technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology – and, of course, space.
Space is a good example of a critical technology of great importance for Europe. I see one clear goal: An innovative, diversified and competitive European space sector.
Space is not just about exploration – it is a critical technology that underpins our communication, our security and our environmental monitoring.Our ability to compete globally depends fully on bold investments in innovation. And that starts with fundamental research.Excellent fundamental research is the seed from which tomorrow’s breakthroughs grow.
We should improve existing technologies and industries, but not neglect disruptive innovation which stems from investigator-driven frontier research.
For too long, we have settled for solutions from the other side of the Atlantic when it comes to our critical technologies.
This is no longer an option. We have to take responsibility and claim our space in the technological race.
Universities play a crucial role in this. Both as research institutions and in the value chain from research to business.
It is on university campuses ground-breaking ideas are born. It is where talents are shaped. And it is often where the foundation is laid for the entrepreneurs of the future.
But if we are to turn more promising research into real commercial value, we also need to change the framework within the EU.
We can make it more attractive to be a business in Europe.
The stakes in research and innovation have never been higher. It concerns the very future of our continent.
It is about everything we have built together. It is about who we are – and who we want to be.
And because of this, we also need to safeguard the ideals of research, as we work to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and security.
Academic freedom
Academic freedom and international research collaboration are increasingly affected by great power interests and political control.
We see this in China where academic freedom often gives way to ideological conformity.
Unfortunately, we also see it in the United States where political tensions and culture wars interfere with universities’ freedom to research and teach.
That is why it is so important that we do not take academic freedom for granted. We must always protect the values that form the basis of free research and free education.
It is what sustains scientific integrity and earns the public’s trust — and, I am convinced, it is also our competitive strength that will help us attract and keep talent in Europe.
So, when we invest in European research, we must always do so with a commitment to academic freedom and democratic principles. In this everchanging world, our values set us apart.
As we begin this ERC Week in Copenhagen, let us remember that research is not only about knowledge. It is also about direction, resilience and freedom.
If we set a clear course, invest boldly and protect the principles that make European science unique, then Europe will not only keep pace with the world.
We will help shape it.
Together, we can ensure that the ERC remains a beacon of excellence, that our universities continue to be engines of innovation and that European research strengthens both our competitiveness and our democracy.
With the proposal from the European Commission on the next Horizon Europe there is a strong underlining of the importance of frontier research.
As Presidency, we will make sure to bring the negotiations forward and not lose sight of frontier research.
That is how we stand stronger. That is how we can wisely use this exceptional moment in time to secure the future we want for Europe.
Thank you.