The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies (ASE) conferred the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa on former French Prime Minister Alain Juppe, who is a member of the French Constitutional Council, in appreciation of his „exceptional” merits in his country, in Europe and worldwide.

„The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies is honoured to confer on Mr Alain Juppe the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in recognition of his scientific and professional excellence in promoting the shared responsibility to uphold democracy and human rights in France, Europe and the world,” ASE representatives said in a press release.

The ceremony took place in the context of the events marking the 111th anniversary of the founding of the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, which will take place on 6 April.

Alain Juppe’s professional and political career highlights his qualities of leadership and diplomacy at all levels: Prime Minister of France from 1995 to 1997, Minister of Foreign Affairs (1993-1995), Minister Delegate for the Budget, Minister of State, Member of the European Parliament and Member of the French Parliament, Deputy Mayor of Paris and Mayor of Bordeaux.

According to the press release, from the beginning of his professional career as an inspector of finance to the present as a member of the Constitutional Council, Alain Juppe has been a supporter of reforms and has campaigned for respect for constitutional and international law.

„With more than 50 years of experience in diplomacy and public administration at local, national and European level, Alain Juppe has distinguished himself by his commitment and conciliatory behaviour. He was one of the most fervent and committed supporters of democratic principles and a fierce opponent of extremism. Alain Juppe contributes in an impeccable way to the definition of Romania’s role in Europe, being among the leading European figures who have clearly, directly and unhesitatingly supported the project of our country’s accession to the European Union and then to the Schengen area,” the press release reads.

At the same time, Alain Juppe has focused on Romania’s role and place in Europe, within the European Union, highlighting, whenever he had the opportunity, the considerable efforts that our country has made to meet the conditions for accession (in the area of justice, control of the EU’s external borders), then in the case of accession to the Schengen area, while also highlighting Romania’s active participation in European forums.

„A modern approach characterises the reforms promoted by Alain Juppe in the education area. He proposed: greater autonomy for education units; adjustment of school curricula; investment in vocational training and technological development to the highest standards; reform of university cycles; shift from co-financing to ‘co-responsibility’,” the press release also mentions.

The award ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania Nicolas Warnery, other representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Bucharest, business environment representatives and other Romanian state officials.

AGERPRES