Est. 2min 12-11-2003 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The Commission on 11 November presented its Space White Paper, emphasising the role of space policy for the overall competitiveness of the EU. Building on the Green Paper consultation, the Commission on 11 November presented a White Paper on “Space: A New European Frontier for an Expanding Union”. The aim is to make space policy play a key role in achieving the EU’s main economic, cohesion and security & defence objectives. The paper was drafted in co-operation with the European Space Agency (ESA), and calls for a substantial increase in spending on space. Three main budget scenarios are proposed, based on annual expenditure growth rates of 4.5 per cent, 3.4 per cent or 2.3 per cent of the overall public level of funding. The Commission points out that a 4.5 per cent increase is needed to implement the suggested measures. Moreover, it recommends actions aimed at: ensuring independent access to space for the EU; enhancing space technology; attracting young people into careers in science; strengthening European excellence in space science. The Space Action plan will be implemented through a multi-annual European Space Programme. It will determine priorities on a five-year basis, for research, infrastructure development, services and technology. There will be two phases of implementation: 2004-2007: implementation of the activities covered by the recently agreed Framework Agreement between the European Community and ESA; from 2007: implementation of additional measures in the framework of the European Constitutional Treaty, which is expected to establish space as a shared competence between the Union and its Member States. Read more with Euractiv Parliament proposes action plan for promoting industrial policyIn view of the upcoming enlargement, the Parliament on 23 October adopted a report on industrial policy in which it proposed an action plan focusing on restructuring and innovation. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters BackgroundSpace policy has become a crucial component for implementing EU policies, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, environment, transport and information society. Space applications also respond to growing civilian and defence security needs. The EU's space industry faces considerable challenges, as the delicate balance between space commercial and public services comes under pressure following a significant restructuring of the industry worldwide. The present organisation and financing arrangements are in crisis, and the investment gap between European and US spending is widening. In January 2003, the Commission introduced its Green Paper on EU Space Policy (in cooperation with the ESA) in order to launch a debate with national and international organisations, the EU space industry and users, the scientific community and citizens. Numerous stakeholders presented their opinions during a four-month consultation period, a summary of which was published in July 2003.
