A Decade of Inspiring Europe’s Next Generation of Thinkers

Since 2017, the Fondation Pierre Werner under our aegis has helped young researchers pursue work inspired by Pierre Werner’s commitment to European integration. Its scholarships have supported 36 researchers of 16 nationalities, carrying the vision of the former Luxembourg Prime Minister, widely regarded as the “Father of the Euro”, into a new generation.

On October 2nd, 2026, this milestone was celebrated at the University of Luxembourg’s Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, in the presence of Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and President of the Fondation Pierre Werner. Members of the Werner family, past and present laureates, and representatives of the University and the Fondation de Luxembourg gathered to reflect on a decade of support and exchange.

Several former laureates shared how the scholarships had shaped their academic and professional journeys. By enabling research stays abroad, participation in international conferences and collaborations, the Foundation’s support has opened opportunities extending well beyond doctoral studies. Former recipients have since pursued careers in academia, European institutions, the public and private sectors, and philanthropy.

The ceremony also honoured the three 2026 laureates: Tanja Hilpold, Milena Mitrović and Enrico Sartori, whose research addresses European judicial institutions, sustainability reporting and investor protection respectively.

Through these annual awards, the Fondation Pierre Werner supports postgraduate research in law, economics, finance and political science at the University of Luxembourg, giving practical expression to the ideals of its namesake. Featured in our latest Philanthropy Letter, the scholarships illustrate the lasting contribution a foundation can make by investing in young talent and the ideas that will shape Europe’s future.