Brussels, 23/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 May, the Competitiveness Council is set to adopt its conclusions on the EU working more closely with the European Space Agency (ESA), an international organisation. The time is ripe to start this reflection as the framework agreement between the EU and the ESA runs until 2016.
The conclusions focus on three scenarios proposed by the European Commission earlier this year to improve this relationship in the future (see EUROPE 11013). The recommendations vary between the status quo, enhanced cooperation plus a European pillar, or the ultimate creation of a European space agency within the European institutional structures. A group of countries, led by France, is believed to be in favour of this option in the medium term. Other space powers, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, support the middle way, in order to keep the intergovernmental nature in place.
The conclusions recommend deeper reflection, but reach consensus on space cooperation. A joint Council with the ESA is scheduled to be held by the end of the year to determine which solution will be the most effective.
Additionally, the European Commissioner for Industry, Antonio Tajani, will report back to the delegations on the successful launch of the first Copernicus satellite, which went into orbit in April of this year. (MD)