Member States are exploring the use of space programmes, in particular the Copernicus earth observation programme, in support of coastal regions, according to a draft conclusions document seen by EUROPE on Tuesday 20 April.
The European flagship programme Copernicus is indeed widely highlighted throughout the conclusions, cited just under 30 times, while the Galileo navigation programme is cited four times. Advanced missions include monitoring coastal ecosystems, ocean dynamics and generally monitoring climate change. Here, the conclusions give the example of monitoring the evolution of coastlines.
However, Galileo’s role is still highlighted in the context of the emergency service it offers to alert civil protection authorities and the population in coastal areas in the event of natural disasters (hurricanes and tidal waves). The EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA) remains relatively absent from the document for the time being. The role of ‘New Space’ (see EUROPE 12677/4) is affirmed to provide services and solutions for both coastal and Arctic areas.
The document will be discussed in the EU Council working group, which was due to examine it on Tuesday. An agreement should be reached by 28 May at the Competitiveness Council.
To read the draft: https://bit.ly/2Qi7Vgm (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)