By Brian Johnson - 24th March 2006
Scientists and researchers could replace MEPs in Strasbourg’s corridors of power, if a deal to house Europe’s new institute of technology in the French city is successful.
German MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis has told EUPolitix that there is growing support for the campaign to locate the European Institute of Technology (EIT) in Strasbourg, ending the controversial and costly monthly plenary traipse by MEPs.
“We have never previously offered Strasbourg or the French government something tangible to replace the European parliament,” said Chatzimarkakis.
“Now we have something to offer. The people of Strasbourg would welcome being at the crossroads of worldwide scientific research and innovation. This would dramatically change the image of Strasbourg.”
Locating the institute in the French city would be symbolically important as well as a practical move suggests the German MEP.
“Strasbourg could become Europe’s capital of science, it could symbolise a new paradigm for Europe and the city, not one that just stands for reconciliation, for overcoming problems between nations, but one that symbolises a new Europe, based on science, research and innovation,” said Chatzimarkakis.
The MEP, who chairs the European parliament’s intergroup on locating the EIT in Strasbourg, argues that the French city is the institute’s ideal location.
“Europe is one of the strongest drivers of knowledge, but unfortunately not of innovation.”
“We now need the next step to be a drive towards innovation and Strasbourg could become the symbol of this new European paradigm.”
French interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy is keen on the plan says Chatzimarkakis, but is wary of openly endorsing such a sensitive issue ahead of the 2007 French presidential elections.
“Sarkozy is not going to say anything which could lower his chances of becoming elected as president of France, that’s why at the moment he is not keen on saying anything on it.”
“But I’m pretty sure Sarkozy supports this idea. He supports the idea on an EIT.”
Chatzimarkakis says he has been impressed by how quickly Europe’s institutions have moved on establishing an EIT, since it was first aired last year, and believes that with a little luck, it could be up and running by 2009.
EU heads of state gave the EIT their muted support at this week’s spring summit in Brussels, calling for the European commission to come up with further proposals by the summer.
And the campaign has the backing of most MEPs. Around three quarters of today’s MEPs were newly elected in 2004 and have, says Chatzimarkakis, a widely differing view of the EU than existed when Strasbourg was given the right to hold the plenary sessions.
“They do not really believe in the old rhythms of Europe. They feel hampered in doing their job properly by the Strasbourg travelling circus. It’s an impediment. That is why most MEPs are very positive about this development.”
“I believe if we clearly lay out what consequences this change would have, the majority of MEPs would be in favour. I’ve already had many positive reactions.”
As well as housing the EIT, Strasbourg could also be offered the new European Research Council and could become home for the proposed European University Institute.
Further sweeteners to tempt the French could be a centre for European history and even twice yearly, EU state of the union summits suggests Chatzimarkakis.
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