An Ariadne rocket heads off into space. Picture courtesy European Space Agency
The document, drawn up by the European Commission and the European Space Agency, outlines Europe’s ambitions in space and contains a commitment for countries and agencies to coordinate their activities. One of the aims is to increase the synergy between civil and defence space programmes and technologies.
The new policy calls for sustainable funding of space applications, in particular the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security project. It also recognises that space is a high value-adding sector, a driver for growth, innovation and employment and a valuable opportunity provider for European industry.
Maria Van Der Hoeven, the Netherlands’ Minister of Economic Affairs, commented, “The adoption of the European Space Policy is a major step forward for space policy in Europe. The ESP provides a strong incentive for better coordination and cooperation, and thus for more value from public funding, and will contribute to strengthening the global role of Europe in the space.”
Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen said, “Without the European Space Policy, Europe could become irrelevant. With this resolution on the European Space Policy, we intend to live up to Europe’s global leadership aspirations in important industrial and research areas, which will provide growth and jobs for the future.
“Today’s proposal marks a milestone, to ensure that Europe does not miss out on the important opportunities that space technology offers.”
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