On Monday afternoon, 9 June, the Bernardin Congress Centre hosted the founding ceremony of the Euro-Mediterranean University foundation. Speakers were Science and Research Commissioner Dr Janez Potočnik, Vice-President of the European Parliament Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Slovenian Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Mojca Kuclar Dolinar, and Piran Mayor Tomaž Gantar.
Representatives of the companies that have already expressed interest in participating in the newly formed foundation have signed a letter of intent regarding the establishment of the foundation. The companies involved are: Pošta Slovenije, HSE Group, Luka Koper, Emonika, Riko, Petrol, Comita and Magyar Telekom. The Kuwaiti Prime Minister's special envoy, Sheikh Salem Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, presented an EUR 1 million donation for the EMUNI Centre from Kuwait.
European Science and Research Commissioner Dr Janez Potočnik stressed the importance of the fact that business sees an opportunity in the Euro-Mediterranean University. Joining the foundation, they show that they are confident in their investment in knowledge. Commissioner Potočnik also pointed out that the Euro-Mediterranean University is shaping up to be the newest European centre of learning.
Minister Mojca Kucler Dolinar said that the European Union emphasises the importance of the knowledge triangle formed by universities, research institutions and the economy. The conjunction of these three is of extreme importance, a fact Europe and the Euro-Mediterranean environment are well aware of. "That is why I am particularly pleased to greet the Slovenian and foreign businessmen among us at today's ceremony – businessmen who see a challenge and an opportunity in the Euro-Mediterranean University project," she said. She added that business and knowledge go hand in hand, and that those who are progressive are well aware of this and invest accordingly.
The main event began on 9 June at 18.00, with the Euro-Mediterranean University founding ceremony in the Europa Hall at the Bernardin Congress Centre. Speakers for the occasion were: Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa and President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering.
Before the ceremony, all four speakers signed the book of impressions on the occasion of the founding of the Euro-Mediterranean University, in the presence of all the signatories of the Foundation Charter and other distinguished guests.
