Brussels, 30/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - At the Competitiveness and Research Council on Thursday, 30 May, European ministers responsible for space policy examined the of monitoring space debris (potentially dangerous to orbiting satellites), the Earth observation programme, Copernicus and the EU's space industrial policy.
European ministers reached a position on this last point with the adoption of conclusions on the basis of the Commission's communication, “Space Industrial Policy of the EU - Unlocking the potential of economic growth in the space sector”, presented in February this year. This document acknowledge the main lines, established by the European Commission, of a European space industrial policy: a stable legislative framework, a solid industrial base in Europe and support for SMEs, improved cost-benefit ration along the whole value chain, development of a market for space applications and services, and independent access to space and its technology. The EU, therefore, formally calls on the Commission to assess whether or not it is worth developing a legislative framework for space and the potential of sub-orbital spaceflights and to take measures to ensure the recruitment of appropriately skilled personnel. The Council also invites member states and the Commission to promote space applications in European and national policies and to encourage the development and use of these applications by private and public users, including local authorities and SMEs. In terms of independence, the Council calls on the Commission to provide a detailed examination of the different aspects involved in achieving this aim. The Council also calls on it to provide performance indicators illustrating the progress accomplished towards developing a space industrial policy. It also reaffirms the need for more efficient cooperation with the European Space Agency to this end.
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers also presented a report on the progress achieved with regard to the proposal for a space debris monitoring programme. The report includes certain comments from delegations, particularly with regard to funding, programme governance, data security and civilian and military use of the programme. Overall, however, the Council supports the Commission's initiative. Italy and Spain, in particular, expressed their interest. The European commissioner for industry, Antonio Tajani, also presented his recent proposal on the Earth observation programme, Copernicus (see EUROPE 10854). (MD/transl.fl)