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New Commission space policy puts focus on improving people's daily lives and boosting Europe's competitiveness
November, 2016
Status: Closed
In a press release, dated 26th October 2016, the EU and the European Space Agency
expressed a joint declaration to formalise a European space policy. In a first-of-its-kind declaration,
both institutions have explicitly recognised the importance of a closer and more integrated cooperation, embarking on
a truly European approach to space.
The following video produced by Stefaan Fortemps, European Union 2016 Director highlights the key facts and figures:
The press release also includes quotes from two of the key European leaders supporting The Space Strategy for Europe:
Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič said:
"The European Union is a key player in space policy.
We want to build on that and use this leadership role strategically to create jobs and
growth and deliver on our common policy priorities: security,climate change, transport, data economy,
management of natural disasters. This requires cooperation with our partners and stakeholders in Europe and internationally.
The Joint EU – ESA Declaration on our "Shared Vision and Goals for the Future of Europe in Space" to be signed this afternoon is another important step in that direction."
Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, said
"Space-based applications are changing our lives, our economy, our industry.
Space is a key industrial sector in Europe's economy, and a strategic asset supporting
Europe's autonomy of action at the global stage. But it needs more entrepreneurs and more private investment if it is to stay ahead of the curve.
My message therefore to industry, start-ups and investors is that space matters and we are in space for the long haul."
EU space programmes are already delivering services that have become indispensable in everyone's daily lives.
Space data is already enriching mobile phones, driving cars with a navigation system, taking the plane or watching satellite TV.
It is also central to the protection of key infrastructures such as power plants, smart grids or even bank transactions;
management of borders and saving human lives at sea; and allows farmers to plan ahead. It also helps improve response to earthquakes,
forest fires and floods; and protect the environment and monitor climate change.
The Space Strategy for Europe is therefore responding to the growing global competition, whilst increasing private sector involvement and major technological shifts.
The Commission is proposing a range of actions to allow Europeans to fully seize the benefits offered by space,
create the right ecosystem for space start-ups to grow, promote Europe's leadership in space and increase its share on the world space markets.
To read the full press release please visit the European Commission's Press Release Database (external site).
As innovator and enabler of innovation for our clients, Excellis Business Consulting
is proactive in European framework programmes in a number of areas.
We do this to ensure that our clients receive up-to-date advice and services that are cognizant of
current and future developments in new technologies, business paradigms and the
EU's wider relationship with the rest of the world.
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