The European Space Policy
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.4.07
- Author
Dr. Andras Roboz, LPP/ITA - CTA, Belgium
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The European Space Policy which should be adopted by the European Commission in the spring of 2007 will be presented. This Communication has been prepared together with the European Space Agency (ESA) in accordance with the Framework Agreement concluded between the two parties in 2004. The document should be presented in parallel as a proposal by the Director-General of ESA to the ESA Council. It is to be presented to the Space Council under the German Presidency, which envisages Member State endorsement of the ESP on the basis of a joint Resolution.
The Communication should be seen in the context of the continuing development of EC-ESA relations. It is part of a continuing process in policy development which has already influenced programmatic decisions in the EU, with amongst others, the adoption of the GALILEO programme and the GMES initiative.
Key messages envisaged for the European Space Policy:
- Europe is increasingly called to play a leading role in global policies. Space will serve more and more Europe’s domestic and global policy ambitions. It can help to achieve important European policy objectives: environment policy is an outstanding example but also transport, agriculture, fisheries policy…
- Space is also a high value-added sector, a driver for the Lisbon process improving everyday life of citizens and contributing to the knowledge-based society.
- Space is a strategic asset, which Europe must exploit more effectively. It cannot afford to lose out on securing the potential economic and societal benefits for its citizens.
- Space policy and other policies should be mutually reinforcing. Public authorities can spur demand for innovative products and services, and must create the framework conditions in a way which will enable companies to become fit to tackle global markets.
- The ESP will seek to increase the efficiency of Europe’s space industry and of public activities. We aim to eliminate unnecessary duplication of activities and programmes through increased coordination between ESA, EU and their respective Member States, and focus them towards meeting shared European needs. The European Space Programme accompanies the Policy and will become the basis for a real coordination tool.
- Coordination between defence/civil programmes will also be increased; interoperability of civil/military systems will be pursued.
- We will ensure the integration of space policy into a range of the EU’s external relationships. The EU, ESA and their Member States will develop a joint strategy for international relations to ensure the right balance between independence and cooperation. A coordination mechanism will be put in place to achieve consistency and coherence.
- Abstract document