Brussels, 10/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The Irish Presidency of the European Council of Ministers will not be ignoring European space policy and intends to bring in different partial approaches and conclusions over the next six months.
The Irish Presidency plans for the Council to adopt its conclusions on the EU and the European Space Agency coming closer together. Initial discussion on this subject took place under the Cypriot Presidency. In addition, other conclusions are due to be adopted on space assets for industry, on the basis of the Commission communication “Releasing the potential for economic growth in the space sector”. A general approach is also expected to be agreed on a support programme for space surveillance, during the Competitiveness Council on 29-30 May.
Dublin additionally intends to progress the negotiations on funding for the European programme for Earth monitoring (GMES), which largely depend on the agreement on the EU's 2014-2020 multi-annual financial framework. (MD/transl.fl)