Last week saw the European Parliament dedicate a series of high-level events on science, and more precisely the need to ensure science and policy are more actively and efficiently intertwined. Through talks, but also interactive group sessions, participants had the opportunity of seeing the importance science communication plays in shaping political discourses. The rising distrust in scientific advice and of ‘experts’ was also a major focus, with discussions concentrated on how to counter this changing landscape. Member of the European Parliament Paul Rübig also praised the MEP-scientist pairing scheme as a successful way of bringing science and policy closer together. EuChemS can testify to this, having in the past taken part. Nevertheless, with only a handful of MEPs signing up to the scheme, its impact is limited.