On Thursday 26 September, Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker took part in the University of Luxembourg’s official Start of the New Academic Year 2013/14 and Graduation Ceremony of Doctoral Students, where he called for future generations to develop a caring society.

At the start of his speech entitled “Restoring meaning to the future” he reiterated the government’s support for the University. He cited the fact that in 2010, regardless of the economic crisis, the Luxembourg government increased its funding of the University and mentioned that it was the only country in the European Union to do so.

The Prime Minister also expressed his concern that Europe, as one of the world’s longest-established, stable and wealthy economies, may become complacent and cease to progress in terms of being a source of new ideas.

The remainder of his well-structured and informative speech was direct. He gave a statistical overview of the current difficult global, economic and political situation, quoting some examples of societal inequalities. Going forward he said we must continually reinvent ourselves keeping certain key values in mind.

We must care for our planet and all of its population, the well-being of every individual must be a priority and the world’s richer countries must care for their poorer neighbours. We must build a “social economy” and reject those economic principles that could harm our citizens.

We must also try to restore faith in our political systems and politicians and nurture a solid sense of nationhood whilst remaining fervently European in attitude because, for us, restoring meaning to the future also means reinforcing the European ideal and challenging the European Constitution.

Following Mr Juncker’s speech, Mrs Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, former Minister for Higher Education and Research and founder of the University of Luxembourg, received the first ever University Award. The University Award recognises the outstanding efforts of individuals who support the institution and Mrs Hennicot-Schoepges was visibly moved to have been so honoured.

- - -

Caption: Erna Hennicot-Schoepges received the first University Award from Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and University President Rolf Tarrach.

© Marc Schmit / University of Luxembourg