European space policy to be launched in 2005

The European Space Council has endorsed the Commission’s attempt to kick off the European space policy programme before the end of 2005.

The second meeting of the European Space Council (the European Space Agency Council at ministerial level and the EU Competitiveness council together) was held on 7 June 2005 to discuss the Commission communication (23 May 2005) on the preliminary elements of a European space policy.

The council confirmed that European space policy should include a true European space strategy, a space programme reflecting the associated costs and funding sources as well as a commitment by the main contributors as to their roles and responsibilities.

Member states will now need to decide to what extent they will fund their national initiatives and/or the European programme. Further, the EU-25 will have to ensure that European space ambitions are included in the next financial perspective [long-term EU budget framework].   

The third Space Council, to take place in November 2005, will agree on the final policy and programme up to 2013.

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