President of the European Commission meets leading members of the European Research Council

Brussels, 03 May 2006

This evening Commission President Barroso, with Commissioners Potocnik and Figel', will meet members of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council, including its Chairman, Professor Fotis Kafatos. The meeting is part of the follow up to the conclusions of the European Council in March, at which Heads of State and Government gave the European Research Council a guiding role in enhancing excellence in research and innovation, in the context of discussions on the creation of a European Institute of Technology. President Barroso is therefore keen to hear the views of the Scientific Council. Following the Spring Council, the European Commission is working on the EIT concept and will put forward a paper expanding on its ideas and the next steps before the next European Council.

Midday Express MEX/06/0503