Global launch of Hiriko Driving Mobility
At the launch of the "Hiriko" project, which according to the President Barroso is "much more than just a small, folding and smart electric car", the European Commission President paid tribute to Diogo Vasconcelos saying: "Diogo was a person of outstanding energy and charisma. He never stopped thinking ahead, developing and connecting ideas and engaging with new people, always with one main objective in mind: a better future for all."
President Barroso underlined that "Hiriko is European social innovation at its best … Firstly, it is a successful example of how to give a new lease of life to traditional industrial sectors by contributing to address major modern societal challenges, in that specific case, urban mobility and pollution. Secondly, it is a great combination of new business types of cooperation and employment opportunities with a strong social dimension. Thirdly, it is an excellent illustration of the finest use that can be made of European social funds. Indeed Hiriko was initiated thanks to a European social fund project aiming at stimulating job creation in a disadvantaged area."
He also outlined that European Commission will soon launch a "European Social innovation prize Competition in memory of Diogo Vasconcelos". President Barroso said: "Yes, we are working for the future, but we should be focused immediately on the present. This is a very important reminder of the need to act now."