Brussels, 15/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - Following a communication on the space policy of the French Minister for Research, Claudie Haigneré, at the Council of Ministers on 15 April, Jacques Chirac (according to a government spokesperson) pointed out that "mastery in space was a strategic imperative". He also added that "France has invested much in it and must play a role that provides a driving force, so that Europe maintains its space access autonomy". Ms Haigneré had formerly highlighted the need for "European ambition" for obtaining "autonomous access" in space, explaining that "this is really about independence". The Minister hoped that Europe would go onto the "next stage" of its space policy during the meeting at the end of May of EU Ministers in charge of this remit. France is proposing that the European Space Agency (ESA) is under the direct control of the European Union. Ms Haigneré also insisted on the "strategic imperative" for Europe's Ariane launcher.