President José Manuel Barroso: "Eight years later, the European Commission is proud to have believed in ITER"

President Barroso’s visit to ITER was part of a tour of European strategic projects aimed at fighting climate change and facilitating worldwide “energy transition.” 

He was accompanied by French Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research Geneviève Fioraso. 

“Eight years ago, along with President Chirac, I worked hard for ITER to be located here. The European Commission is proud to have believed in this project,” said President Barroso as he stood on the large concrete slab overlooking the spectacular Tokamak Complex worksite where the ITER machine will be assembled. 

Mrs Fioraso, who was visiting ITER for the third time in less than one year, said she too was proud “that Europe had been bold and brave enough to launch into this project. Europe is beautiful when it is audacious.” 

The European President and the French Minister’s visit came at a crucial moment in the worksite progress as concrete pouring operations had just begun in the central part of the Tokamak Complex. 

“Europe’s commitment and your personal support, Mr President, Mrs Minister, have made this great venture possible,” said Director-General Osamu Motojima as he introduced the visitors to the assembled ITER staff. “At a time of economic hardship across the world, Europe has never backed away from its commitment towards ITER.”

Addressing the ITER staff in the Headquarters amphitheatre, President Barroso explained that he had supported the project throughout his whole presidency “because the future of Europe is in science and innovation.” 

Mrs Fioraso shared this vision: “Thanks to this project,” she said, “Europe is a very young and very ambitious continent.” 

As “the gateway to industrial and commercial fusion,” added the President of the European Commission, “ITER presents a unique opportunity for our industry.” He concluded his address saying: “The personal message I want to deliver to you is one of confidence and support.”

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESS RELEASE 

ITER—designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power—will be the world's largest experimental fusion facility. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars: when light atomic nuclei fuse together to form heavier ones, a large amount of energy is released. Fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, abundant and environmentally responsible energy source. 

ITER is also a first-of-a-kind global collaboration. Europe will contribute almost half of the costs of its construction, while the other six Members to this joint international venture (China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the USA), will contribute equally to the rest. The ITER Project is under construction in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, in the south of France. 

More information on the ITER Project can be found at: http://www.iter.org/

Photos from the visit can be viewed here: http://www.iter.org/album/Newsline/President%20Barroso

CONTACT

Michel Claessens 
michel.claessens@iter.org 
+33 6 14 16 41 75, @M_Claessens