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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘the White Paper — Space: a new European frontier for an expanding Union. An action plan for implementing the European Space policy’

(COM(2003) 673 final)

(2004/C 112/03)

On 12 November 2003, the European Commission decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee, under Article 262 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the White Paper — Space: a new European frontier for an expanding Union. An action plan for implementing the European Space policy.

The Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 10 March 2004. The rapporteur was Mr Buffetaut.

At its 407th plenary session of 31 March and 1 April 2004 (meeting of 31 March), the European Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 97 votes to none with two abstentions:

1.   Introduction

2.   Gist of the document

a)   Policy challenges

The Commission stresses that space is a horizontal policy which is especially relevant for supporting Europe's economic prospects, including the Lisbon objectives, agriculture policy goals, levels of employment, its management of the environment and its foreign and security policies.

b)   Support for key EU policies

A number of major initiatives are listed, together with recommended actions. These initiatives cover the following areas: implementation of the GALILEO programme and Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security (GMES); bridging the digital divide; the contribution of space to European security and defence policy; and developing international partnerships,

c)   Maintaining scientific and technological capabilities

This refers to the elements which are essential if Europe is to remain a space power: guaranteed independent access to space; optimisation and coordination of R&D resources; human space flight and space exploration; a suitably large and rejuvenated scientific population; strengthening Europe's position in space science; promoting an innovative and competitive European space industry.

d)   Governance and resources

The aim is to better identify and share tasks and responsibilities between the European Union, ESA, Member States, national agencies and industry in order to maximise efficiency and harness the benefits of space activities for Europe and its citizens. But this will only be possible if extra resources are made available for the space sector.

3.   General comments

4.   Specific comments

4.1   Space contributions to policy challenges

4.2   Space actions in support of the enlarged Union

4.2.1   Navigation

The EESC fully endorses the idea that the GALILEO programme is the symbol of the European Union's recognition of the political, strategic and economic challenges of space. It believes that everything must be done to bring this project, which is essential for Europe's autonomy and independence, to a successful conclusion.

4.2.2   Global monitoring for the environment and security (GMES)

4.3   Bridging the ‘digital divide’

4.4   Space as a contribution to the CFSP and the ESDP, the development of international partnerships, strategic independence and common assets for common actions

4.5   Strengthen European excellence in space science

4.6   Establish a new approach to the governance of space activities

4.7   Annex 2: resources assessment

5.   Conclusions

Brussels, 31 March 2004.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Roger BRIESCH

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