Est. 1min 22-05-2003 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Europe should turn space research into an engine that fuels the Union’s economic fortunes, Commissioner Busquin has said at a major expert meeting in London. Read more with Euractiv EU Convention: UK insists on keeping sovereignty over taxes and social policyThe British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has warned the Convention Chairman, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, that Britain will not give up its powers in the area of taxes and social policy. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters BackgroundAccording to Commissioner for Research Philippe Busquin, it is vital for Europe to invest in the development of space technologies and to research "earth-based" applications as these investments benefit all European citizens. Mr Busquin addressed a meeting of 350 representatives from government, industry and research at a conference on 20 May in London focussing on Europe's role in the development of space technologies. The meeting came on the heels of the publication of the EU Green Paper on Space, and will be followed by a major conference in Paris on 23-24 June. By the end of 2003, the EU will conclude a White Paper and a detailed Action Plan on space-related research and development. Transferring space technologies from research to industry and utilising these findings in commercial applications ranging from navigation to telecommunications are top priorities for Europe. Space technologies provide opportunities for players outside the scope of the space industry. Digital television, 3rd generation mobile communications and satellite-delivered Internet are examples for service platforms where space systems are used.
