On 7 February 2017, the European Commission, represented by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, and the European Committee of the Regions, represented by President Markku Markkula, held a high-level seminar in Brussels on the implementation of the Third industrial revolution through smart cities and regions.

At the seminar, Jeremy Rifkin outlined his conception of the third industrial revolution based on the principle of powerful dynamics driven by the interaction of new information and communication technologies, renewable energies and intelligent mobility.

The American economist pointed out that Luxembourg was the first country to implement a strategic study of the third industrial revolution at national level and that more than 300 people had been involved in this process of vital importance to Europe. Jeremy Rifkin said: "It is essential that Europe always takes new steps forward, otherwise it will retreat. The third industrial revolution is the next step in Europe’s journey and will lead to a smart Europe. "

Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Etienne Schneider, shared with the audience the Grand Duchy’s experience of the process of the third industrial revolution by setting out the genesis and the future impact of the strategic study. It has also encouraged other Member States to follow this example.

Etienne Schneider commented that: "In view of the economic and social transformations we are experiencing and the fact that a model based on fossil energies is not sustainable, we are well aware that a new mutation is underway. That is why the government wanted to develop a new vision for the country to ensure its long-term prosperity. Luxembourg wants to be a forerunner in the European Union as a smart nation and to encourage other regions and countries to follow the path of the third industrial revolution. "

Minister Schneider’s speech was followed by an interactive discussion which showed that the implementation of the strategic study of the third industrial revolution in Luxembourg aroused strong interest among members of the European Committee of the Regions.

Photo by MECO. From left to right: Étienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy; Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission; Jeremy Rifkin