On 21 October 2024, four doctoral researchers from the University of Luxembourg were officially presented with the Pierre Werner Scholarship during a ceremony hosted by the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF). The event was honoured by the presence of Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the Fondation Pierre Werner, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg.
The four laureates of the scholarship – Francesca Finelli, Isabella Lorenzoni, David Marguerit, and Andela Micanovic – were selected based on their impressive academic achievements, civic accomplishments, and outstanding research promoting the ideas of Pierre Werner.
The ceremony opened with Prof. Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice-Rector for Partnerships and International Relations, who welcomed the attendees and thanked the Fondation Pierre Werner, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg, for providing this unique opportunity for the students, each of whom she referred to as an engaged ambassador for Europe.
Prof. Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice-Rector for Partnerships and International Relations
Following this, the Prime Minister congratulated the laureates and expressed his appreciation for their hard work. He highlighted the significance of academic progress to the government and the importance of recognizing such efforts. Mr. Frieden also paid tribute to Pierre Werner, emphasizing the crucial role of European unity and that only by acting together can we overcome challenges and defend progress. He encouraged the students to continue working on European projects.
Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the Fondation Pierre Werner
Subsequently, Marie-Anne Werner, daughter of Pierre Werner and a founding member of the Fondation Pierre Werner, reflected on her father’s vital role in shaping Europe and the Fondation’s role in upholding his ideals. She introduced the 2024 laureates, detailing their research areas and how their work aligns with Pierre Werner’s ideas, and she thanked them for their dedication to promoting his vision. Addressing the laureates, she said, “The topics you are researching would have all captured our father’s utmost attention, and he would certainly have felt enriched by your developments. I can also assure you that his family is very interested in your work, and we are learning a lot from your research insights! Together with us, the entire Fondation de Luxembourg extends its warmest congratulations to you.”
Marie-Anne Werner, daughter of Pierre Werner and a founding member of the Fondation Pierre Werner
Following the welcome words, each laureate presented their doctoral research, sharing insights into their fields of study and explaining how the scholarship would support their academic journeys. Francesca Finelli introduced her work on sanctions, while Isabella Lorenzoni, who joined remotely due to an exchange visit in the U.S., discussed her research on a digital and data-driven approach to competition law. David Marguerit then presented his research on AI and the labor market, and finally, Andela Micanovic introduced her research on the EU and democratic backsliding in Southeast Europe.
From left to right: Tonika Hirdman, Directrice Générale de la Fondation de Luxembourg; Yves Elsen, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University; Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the Fondation Pierre Werner, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg; Bertrand Meunier, Gestionnaire de Projets de la Fondation de Luxembourg; Denise Fletcher, Head of the FDEF Research Committee; Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice-Rector for Partnerships and International Relations
The ceremony concluded by Prof. Denise Fletcher, Head of the Faculty Research Committee, who thanked the foundations for their continued support. Prof. Fletcher said, “I believe that the doctoral research presented this afternoon is cause for hope. It is encouraging to listen to our doctoral students, to learn about their topics, and to appreciate that the next generation of leaders, to which these four scholars most certainly belong.”
Prof. Denise Fletcher, Head of the Faculty Research Committee
The event was followed by a cocktail reception, where laureates and attendees had the opportunity to discuss their research with the Prime Minister, members of the Fondation Pierre Werner, the Fondation de Luxembourg, University representatives, and Yves Elsen, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the University, in a more informal setting.
The FDEF congratulates the laureates and extends its heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Luc Frieden for taking the time from his full schedule to attend the ceremony and engage with the researchers, as well as to the Fondation Pierre Werner, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg, for their continued support.
Scholarship winners with Luc Frieden. From left to right: David Marguerit; Andela Micanovic; Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the Fondation Pierre Werner; Francesca Finelli
About the scholarship
The annual scholarship, awarded by the Fondation Pierre Werner, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg, is given to outstanding postgraduate students pursuing a PhD at the University of Luxembourg in the fields of either law, economics, finance, or political sciences. Inspired by the ideals of Pierre Werner, the Pierre Werner Scholarship fosters European integration. For more information about the scholarship, visit Fondation de Luxembourg website.