Europe-Russia space dialogue to be established
A European-Russian Space Dialogue is to be established to increase cooperation between Russia and Europe in space-related projects. The establishment of this Dialogue was agreed by Edith Cresson, European Commissioner responsible for research, and Yuri Koptev, Director-General of the Russian space agency (RKA), during a meeting at the Paris Air Show on 15 June 1997. The Dialogue is intended to bring together representatives of space agencies, research institutes, public authorities, operators and industries. On-going cooperation projects concern the space station, launchers and major satellite application areas, including satellite communication, navigation and earth observation. These projects are funded by the European Space Agency, national space agencies, and through several EU instruments including the Fourth RTD Framework Programme, the INCO-COPERNICUS specific programme, TACIS, INTAS and through the ISTC. Commission activities in fields related to space will be coordinated by the Commissioners concerned, while the Dialogue will help to identify viable projects which could receive Community support. The Dialogue will be an essential part in the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Russia, and in particular the Articles concerning science and technology, space and transport.
Countries
Russia