Commissioner Cresson calls for improved exploitation of spatial applications in Europe

Speaking at the recent "European Space Forum", held in Brussels on 6-7 November 1995, Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, education and training, called for improved exploitation of spatial applications in Europe. The spatial sector in Europe, primarily...

Speaking at the recent "European Space Forum", held in Brussels on 6-7 November 1995, Mrs. Edith Cresson, Commissioner responsible for research, education and training, called for improved exploitation of spatial applications in Europe.

The spatial sector in Europe, primarily financed by the public sector, is entering a new phase in which it will increasingly be forced to justify investments made in its development by guaranteeing economic and political advantages. Given present budgetary restrictions, it will, more than ever, be necessary for governments to join forces in order to achieve maximum efficiency in their actions in this area.

Within this context, Commissioner Cresson, addressing participants in the forum, called for a greater commitment to the effective exploitation of spatial applications, in particular through:

- The setting-up of an effective European system for earth observation;
- Development of a satellite-based support system for air navigation;
- Establishment of a legal environment which would encourage telecommunications by satellite;
- Promotion of spatial techniques in the development of the trans-European networks.

In Spring 1996, Edith Cresson and Martin Bangemann, Commissioner responsible for telecommunications, information technologies and industrial affairs, are planning to present, to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, a new Communication on the European Union and Space which will contribute to the definition of European policy in the area of space research and development.

The European Space Forum was organized at the initiative of the European Parliament, in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Space Agency. Its aim was to promote the use of spatial applications among industry representatives and political decision makers.