A European view of space
As the European Commission prepares to launch its new strategy for space research, more down to Earth applications of satellite technology were under discussion at a scientific workshop in Brussels. In the week before European Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, presents a communication entitled 'Europe and space: turning to a new chapter,' the results of the Eopole (Earth observation data policy and Europe) initiative were described to an audience of Commission officials and representatives of the European Space Agency and national space research organisations. Eopole was established in June 1997 to examine the economic and policy issues arising from the increasing use of satellite technology to monitor environmental and climate change. A working group of representatives from industry, academia and government from eight member states was charged with the task of analysing current Earth observation data policies and recommend improvements with a distinctly European perspective. Its report recommends the introduction of measures to quantify the benefits of Earth observation activities for the environment and to develop international agreement to ensure that the information is stored appropriately in a form accessible to scientists. It also recommends the creation of an independent European 'think tank' to monitor the economic and policy issues resulting from developments in the field.