The Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union will invite the ministers of the Member States responsible for space matters to discuss the exploitation of data produced by European space programmes, including related governance issues, on Friday 2 December.
In its note, the Presidency highlights the major European space programmes Copernicus (earth observation), Galileo (navigation) and EGNOS, and indicates that after a phase of infrastructure consolidation, the focus is now on making the most of the data produced.
The EU’s space agency (EUSPA) has identified 17 potential markets, but “in spite of proven benefits, we are still facing too limited awareness of their real potential, which is one of the biggest blockers”, the note says.
The Presidency is therefore submitting two questions to the Member States. The first is how the Ministers envisage working with the EU institutions, between Member States and between public and private actors to make the most of European data. It will also seek to identify where Member States believe there are regulatory or administrative barriers and whether action at EU level is possible.
Spatial data is a major issue for the Czech Republic. EUSPA is located in Prague. The Presidential note emphasises its role: “EUSPA is well positioned to have the role of a coordinator of Europe’s space downstream market uptake strategy definition and implementation”. EUSPA should actively liaise and work with all stakeholders to create a “competitive space downstream ecosystem” in Europe, the note said.
In recent months, the agency has seen a significant increase in staff and is expected to employ 300 people by 2023. But for some, the EU Agency remains understaffed to carry out its many tasks (see EUROPE 13036/22).
Under ‘other business’, the future Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU will present to the ministers its objectives in the field of space during the first half of 2023.
To consult the Presidency note: https://aeur.eu/f/4cr (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)