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'Urgent action' required in order to reach agreement on European space policy, concludes Competitiveness Council

The decision to address the obstacles hindering the development of a comprehensive space policy has been described as 'crucial to the long term interests of the Union' by ministers who adopted a resolution on the subject at the EU Competitiveness Council on 13 May Ministers w...

The decision to address the obstacles hindering the development of a comprehensive space policy has been described as 'crucial to the long term interests of the Union' by ministers who adopted a resolution on the subject at the EU Competitiveness Council on 13 May Ministers welcomed the work already achieved by the Commission, in cooperation with European Space Agency (ESA) and Member States, in drawing up the Green Paper on space policy. However, given the current critical situation in the European space sector, mainly in the launch services and the commercial satellite markets, ministers noted that issues raised during the green paper consultation need to be addressed with some urgency. With respect to this, the Council called for concrete action to be taken with regard to the GALILEO project and the restructuring of European launchers. Furthermore, reaching a framework agreement between the Community and ESA by the end of 2003 would also help bring the EU a step closer to the development of an overall policy on space, agreed the Council. The Council reminded the Commission that stronger international cooperation is crucial to the development of a comprehensive space policy, especially considering the recent emergence of several new space powers. To help in the process of maintaining international cooperative ties, the Council proposed a joint meeting between the EU Council and the ESA council at ministerial level for sometime in the second half of 2003. The Council also adopted conclusions on the EU defence equipment policy and in particular on 'the importance of putting in place arrangements, which could lead to greater cost-effectiveness, improved harmonisation of standards, and more efficient planning and procurement of defence equipment and research, technology and development (RTD), based on technological innovation.' To follow the progress of such arrangements, the Council called on the Commission to draw up a report by the end of 2003, based on preparatory action taken in relation to the development of security related research. With regard to the recently announced research action plan for Europe, discussions focused on the importance of a public-private partnership in order to achieve a high level of investment in research and development (R&D), priority actions at EU and national level necessary for achieving the three per cent target of investment, and the role of the regions in this context. In light of the importance of the communication, the Council instructed the committee of permanent representatives (COREPER) to undertake a more detailed examination of the action plan so that the Council could discuss it at a forthcoming session. A number of items were also approved without debate. These included the signing of an agreement on scientific technical cooperation between the Community and Israel, and participation in the 'European and developing countries clinical trials programme' (EDCTP).

Countries

Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom