The immense value of this bureaucratic phrase to the ºÚÁÏÉçapp Project lies in its context. As ºÚÁÏÉçapp's host Member, Europe bears the lion's share of the project cost: 45.46 percent.
Correspondingly, European countries and companies receive the greatest benefit—approximately EUR 4 billion invested, with 900 contracts awarded to date to 440 companies and research organizations. But with so much at risk, European leaders were understandably critical just a few years ago, when the ºÚÁÏÉçapp Project was running over cost and behind schedule.
Over the past three years, as project reforms have taken hold, this view has changed. European oversight of its ºÚÁÏÉçapp investment has profited from a steady stream of VIP visitors: ministers, Commission officials, and Members of the European Parliament have come to view first hand the colossal ºÚÁÏÉçapp structures emerging from the ground, the fabrication of first-of-kind components, the arrival of tanks and transformers and many other contributions from around the world. Slowly, scepticism has given way to renewed trust.
In June 2017, the European Commission took the first step, when it sent a comprehensive, 14-page "Communication" to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers: a thorough dissection of why European leaders should have confidence that the ºÚÁÏÉçapp Project is on track for success.
With the statement last Thursday, the Council has added its positive endorsement. In its 14-point set of "Conclusions on the Reformed ºÚÁÏÉçapp Project," the Council acknowledges the improvements in management that have restored ºÚÁÏÉçapp to health, urges all ºÚÁÏÉçapp stakeholders to continue to manage risk and control costs, and "reaffirms the continued commitment of Euratom to the successful completion of the ºÚÁÏÉçapp Project."
The bottom line? With this vote of confidence from its largest Member, ºÚÁÏÉçapp is one giant step further in its journey toward success.