Potocnik made "spirited" defence of stronger science and research policy

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st Oct 2004

Commissioner designate for Science and Research Janez Potocnik laid out a "spirited" defence of the idea of improving the lives of Europeans through better investment in science and education, ALDE leader Graham Watson (Liberal Democrat, UK) said after Mr Potocnik's hearing in the European Parliament today.

Mr Watson said:

"Commissioner designate Potocnik was confident and highly informed. He spoke with a degree of energy and commitment that suggests that he will bring real political leadership and a genuine capacity for innovation in this important area of European policy. He delivered one the best hearings so far."

"Mr Potocnik said he sees research and education as a way of improving the lives of European citizens. He made a spirited defence of the concept of life-long learning and the idea of a European Research Area. He set out a clear strategy for relaunching the Lisbon Agenda, of which he regards research and development policy as a core part. Like Liberals and Democrats, Mr Potocnik sees research and innovation as one of the keys to European competitiveness."

Mr Watson concluded:

"I welcomed Mr Potocnik's clear reiteration of the Lisbon goal of applying 3% of EU GDP to research. He was also right to call for a doubling of the European budget for science and research."