Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - "Towards a European space policy"
Date: 2001-12-07
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: cooperation policy, space policy, space technology, use of outer space

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 7.12.2001
COM(2001) 718 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

“TOWARDS A EUROPEAN SPACE POLICY”

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

“TOWARDS A EUROPEAN SPACE POLICY”

Space in Europe has entered a new phase. Beyond the emblematic success which the Ariane
launcher represents, space activities have evolved from being a research endeavour to offering
a unique and critical technology enabling Europe to address and achieve a large number of
goals embedded in policies related to economic growth, the information society, transport
infrastructure, environmental protection and peace-keeping.

Its contribution to the everyday life of citizens is increasingly important. Furthermore, space
provides the means to support the efforts linked to Europe’s enlargement and to enable the
EU to increase its independence, to spread its influence and consolidate its role on the world
scene.

Space has the potential to become an integral component of the Union’s core policies. The
first benefits of such a development are already highlighted by the GALILEO and GMES EU
initiatives, respectively in the field of navigation by satellite and global monitoring for
environment and security.

is on the move to support

A political process
trend. Following last year’s
Communication1 “Europe and Space: Turning To a New Chapter” and the subsequent EU
and European Space Agency (ESA) 2 Council Resolutions, the European Commission and the
ESA Executive have set up a Joint Task Force. Its aims are to further develop the European
strategy for space, to elaborate proposals for its implementation and to report to the EU and
ESA Councils and the European Parliament at the end of 2001 on the progress achieved.

this

The report in the annex to this Communication presents the analysis and recommendations
elaborated by the Joint Task Force. It underlines the economic, societal and political role of
space systems at the service of European citizens; it identifies objectives and priorities for the
enhancement of European capabilities; it also describes how they could develop in a global
context.

The document covers in particular the three components of the European strategy for space:
(i) strengthening the foundations of space activities; (ii) enhancing scientific knowledge; (iii)
reaping the benefits for markets and society; as well as horizontal issues mainly addressing
industrial policy, international aspects and the future relation between the EU and ESA.

A key conclusion is that, confronted with the competitive pressure coming from other regions
of the world, the European space actors cannot afford to address issues in a dispersed and
fragmented way. In order to play its full role as a major space power, Europe must be able to
its disposal and to optimise the political and institutional
do better with the means at

1

2

COM(2000)597
ESA is an intergovernmental organisation. It involves 13 of EU Member states as well as Switzerland
and Norway. Greece and Luxembourg do not participate in ESA.

2

framework that sets its operating conditions in the space sector. This process will take time,
but its dynamics will open new opportunities and developments.

As a matter of fact, space activities have become such an important cross-sectorial strategic
asset and tool for the implementation of the Union’s overall policies that the question must
now be raised whether they deserve their own policy.

From this perspective, Europe would have to commit to supporting a genuine European space
policy, combining the strategy per se, as sketched in last year’s Communication, a European
space programme and a set of implementing rules.

Such a European space policy would strengthen European space activities,
through the
concerted effort of all space actors, public and private, with the aim of increasing efficiency
and to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts and resources.

Major steps need to be taken to reach such an objective. Critical to the success of the
development and implementation of the European space policy will be a sustained public and
private sector commitment and a reinforced co-operation between the EU and ESA, which
should lead to an increase in joint programmes and projects.

ESA has a record of technical achievements and know-how. Over the last decades, it has
proved to be an efficient instrument for channelling the efforts of its Member states and
developing the competitiveness of the European space industry.

However, the time has come for space issues to acquire their full political legitimacy. This
will require a closer co-operation of ESA with the EU, to allow the integration of space
activities into a wider political, economic, scientific and social frame and to put space-related
activities even more directly at the service of European citizens.

It would also create the opportunity to bring space issues to the attention of the highest
political level in Europe, i.e. the EU Council and Parliament. The volume of financial
resources involved, the type of future questions to be addressed, for example security, all call
for this high-level political debate.

The European Commission has already entered in an operational relationship with ESA. The
analysis performed by the Joint Task Force, based in particular on the GALILEO experience,
confirms that actions are needed to ensure that institutional differences do not hinder the
potential for co-operation. An efficient and “seamless” use of the respective instruments
available must be achieved.

This may require the conclusion of a framework agreement between the EU and ESA for the
establishment of a formal relationship between both entities, leading to an effective co-
operative structure with a clear partitioning of roles regarding the policy-shaping and policy-
making responsibilities.

In this context, a definition of ESA’s potential additional role as “implementing agency” for
the European Community, taking into account the experiences drawn from GALILEO, GMES
and the co-operation in telecommunication, may be appropriate.

A number of these orientations were endorsed by ESA in their Resolution at the Edinburgh
Ministerial conference (14-15 November 2001), adopted in the presence of the President of
the European Commission.

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* * *

The recommendations given in the Joint Task Force report represent a milestone in
establishing a coherent approach for space in Europe. Further developments will depend on
the endorsement of all relevant actors in Europe, in particular Member States, and their
commitment to actively support the proposed set of actions.

The European Commission is ready to establish a strong and dynamic partnership with ESA
and is determined to take forward the development of an ambitious European space policy.

4

EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
JOINT TASK FORCE REPORT

1.

INTRODUCTION

During the year 2000, the European Commission and ESA Executive jointly developed a
European Strategy for Space (ESS). This Strategy formed the basis of a Commission’s
Communication “Europe and Space: Turning to a New Chapter” and of an ESA Council
document, both of which were received positively by EU and ESA Member States, public
authorities and industry throughout Europe.

The EU and ESA Councils adopted in November 2000 two complementary Resolutions
endorsing this Strategy. A key request was to further its development, in particular through
the creation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) tasked with monitoring the Strategy’s implementation
and proposing a permanent joint co-operative structure between ESA and the European
Union.

The Strategy for Space constitutes now a reference for a broad range of space-based activities
such as GALILEO and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES), which
illustrate this approach.

The context described one year ago has further evolved. New developments, scientific,
technical and economic, new challenges such as the reinforced competition on certain space
activities, and new opportunities such as the prospect to establish important partnerships,
motivate the Strategy for Europe in Space to aim at a higher political visibility.

In line with last year’s Resolutions, a Joint Task Force (JTF) has been formed between the
ESA Executive and the European Commission during the first quarter of 2001.

This JTF has established intensive co-operation between the two entities. Based on its work,
this Report has given rise to the consultation of the EU and ESA Member States through the
newly created Joint Space Strategy Advisory Group (JSSAG) and to a dialogue with industry.

The purpose of this Report is twofold:

–

–

To report on, and draw lessons from, the implementation of the European Strategy
for Space developed in 2000;

To make proposals for the next stage through a set of recommendations, including a
new setting for
its
implementation.

the EU-ESA relationship and a staged approach for

2.

SPACE IN THE POLITICAL CONTEXT: RECENT EVOLUTIONS

With the growing importance of space systems for society and markets world-wide, European
leaders increasingly recognise the need to integrate space activities into the wider political and
economic strategy. The European Union provides a political frame in which to do this.

Recently, a number of issues have emerged on the European political scene that are of
relevance to space-related matters. Most of these arose at recent European Councils, where
the Heads of States and Governments have set ambitious goals for Europe.

5

The main highlights are:

• a knowledge-driven economic growth, favourable to sustainable development

–

–

–

knowledge-intensive economy: the Union has set itself for the next decade the goal to
become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world.
One key component in this respect is the European Research Area initiative, which
applies in particular to research and knowledge-intensive issues such as space (see
e.g. the 6th Framework programme for research and technology development (RTD)
which will, for the first time, consider space as a thematic priority);

information society: space assets are critical and enabling factors of the European
economy for implementing and developing the Information society, because of their
capability to generate and transfer information at regional and/or global scales.
Current or
satellite
telecommunications and broadcasting, as well as navigation (for example the
proposed GALILEO programme);

found in the world of

applications

can be

future

sustainable development: At the Gothenburg Summit, sustainable development has
been raised to a priority level. Sustainable development requires by definition global
solutions. Space activities are global by nature and provide unique, effective and
non-invasive means to assess and monitor the environment at regional and global
level (for example the “Global Monitoring for Environment and Security”, GMES,
initiative).

• an independent Europe, more influential on the world scene:

–

independence, security and defence: linked to the desire to reinforce the European
political and cultural identity and the importance of shared values within the Union,
expectations are building for a more influential Union on the world stage.

Regarding security, the interpretation of the concept has significantly expanded. It
now encompasses protection of people and goods against global threats such as
natural disasters, planetary environmental risks, climate change, large population and
refugee migrations, and acts of terror against populations.

Space systems can contribute not only to environmental or information security.
Through their capability to efficiently provide information, communication,
monitoring, detection and control, space technologies have widened their potential to
effectively serve security policy objectives. They will also, when the Union so
decides, be able to make even more important contributions to the developments of
the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy than is already the case; in the
Community’s sphere, they can contribute significantly as regards civil security.
Confronted with the risks of terrorism to civilian populations, the EU will develop its
means of information gathering and detection, including space instruments.

6

In addition, the EU has decided to enhance its Common Foreign and Defence Policy,
in particular as concerns the so-called “Petersberg tasks”3, by incorporating the WEU
Torrejon Satellite centre as an Agency under the Council.

Access to global information influences the economic, political and strategic position
of a country or region. The Union, being ever closer integrated, has an expressed
need to obtain such information independently in support of its policies. Europe’s
autonomous access to space, as secured by ESA and its Member States, enables the
European Union to use space technologies accordingly.

Enlargement: the forthcoming enlargement of the Union requires modernisation of
the institutions, economies and infrastructures of the candidate countries, for which
space-based applications are expected to play a significant role. The EU will have to
adapt its own structures to cope with the adhesion of new Member States.

external relations and international co-operation: more and more, the countries of
the Union need to speak with a single voice concerning all space-related issues (e.g.
in international and regional fora, for frequency allocations, on the Kyoto agreement
or on competition policy). Europe is also at a crossroads regarding its co-operation
with other space powers (e.g. Russia, for which a milestone event on Europe-Russia
Space co-operation took place at the Duma in June 2001).

–

–

• more involvement of citizens in policy-making (“governance”)

–

providing a vision and a clear policy: European leaders acknowledge that European
citizens need better to understand the political ambitions that underpin the actions
with respect to space, for which considerable investments are requested. Europe's
citizens need to regain enthusiasm for the adventure of knowledge that space
represents, and to see more clearly the value of its applications to modern and future
life. Space policy should increasingly take into consideration citizens’ needs from its
inception as well as the need to inform them on the challenges at stake and on the
benefits of space technologies,
for example by providing an easy access to
information on the state of our environment.

These various political trends, together with the intense competitive pressure coming from
other regions of the world on space matters, emphasise the fact that a sustained commitment
and investment is needed from public authorities as well as from the private sector in the
forthcoming period. It also indicates that the time is ripe to consider the definition of a
genuine new European Space policy and identity, transparent and beneficial to citizens,
supportive of European policies and to Europe’s influence on the world scene.

3

Petersberg tasks: humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping tasks and tasks of combat forces in crisis
management, including peacemaking.

7

3

IMPLEMENTATION AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN STRATEGY FOR
SPACE

Over the last decades, ESA and the various European space actors have successfully
developed and implemented an impressive set of space programmes, activities and assets,
despite limited public budgets as compared to other players (cf. the US, but also Japan, in
terms of budget per inhabitant).

In order to maintain and further strengthen Europe’s effectiveness in this field, a better co-
ordination amongst the different components and players of space activities must be ensured
throughout the whole European space system. The European Strategy for Space must be
implemented and further developed as the common baseline for all the European space actors
to define their respective plans and actions.

This chapter presents the analysis and state of play of the activities carried out in pursuance of
the objectives of the European Strategy for Space as defined in 2000. Furthermore, it provides
recommendations for each of the three objectives of the strategy as well as for horizontal
aspects, with a view to improving its implementation.

3.1

Objective “Strengthening the foundations of space activities”

3.1.1. Access to Space

Analysis

Access to Space is the key enabling asset in order to undertake space projects and missions
and to develop space-related services. Therefore particular attention and support has to be
given to this field of activity. Europe has developed two major assets in this sector: (i) the
Ariane family of launchers, which represents a technical and commercial success; (ii) the
launch base in Kourou, competitive thanks to its geographical location and modern and
powerful infrastructures. Thus the need for an independent and competitive access to space
for Europe has been stressed in the European strategy for space and the subsequent EU and
ESA Council Resolutions.

Ariane 5 is a modern launcher with a significant growth potential for the next 20 years. Its
initial geostationary transfer orbit payload capability (6 tons) will be doubled by 2006,
depending on decisions at ESA’s Council Ministerial meeting in November 2001. ESA will
complement Ariane 5 with a small launch vehicle, Vega, operational by 2006.

Ariane 5 mainly addresses the market of geostationary communication satellites. Arianespace
is currently the market leader with a share of 50 % of the open market. However this only
represents a share of 20 % of the total market; the remaining 80 % consists mostly of US
governmental satellites (launched by US launch vehicles in accordance with the “Commercial
Space Act”) and Russian governmental satellites (launched by those Russian vehicles which
have not yet been brought into joint ventures with international partners).

Less than 10 % of its launches being of governmental origin, Ariane’s success critically
depends on its performance on the open commercial market, which is now facing a situation
of overcapacity. The market offer continues to grow, with the arrival of Delta IV and Atlas V
from the US, alliances of Russian and US operators, and continued improvement of Chinese
and Japanese vehicles.

8

launch prices have significantly dropped. Against

As a consequence,
this background,
in order to ensure the commercial success of Ariane 5, have
European stakeholders,
committed themselves to phase out Ariane 4 by 2003 and drastically to cut down Ariane 5
production costs. To ensure its position on the market, Arianespace must win contracts to
launch at least 14 to 16 satellites a year (2 institutional, 12 to 14 commercial) whereas the US
competitors can rely on their governmental orders whilst planning for an aggressive
comeback on the open market.

European industry is making remarkable efforts to reduce the launcher cost. However
Arianespace is still disadvantaged vis-à-vis its competitors: for instance, in the cost of an
€
Ariane launch, 10 to 12 M
are contributed to launch base operations, whilst for a US civil
launch vehicle, where overall range costs are paid by the US Air Force, this contribution is
€
about 1.5 M
.

European governments have to step up their role in the launcher sector in order to ensure that
Ariane is on an equal footing with its competitors. In addition to the investments made
through ESA for developing technologies and for maintaining a competitive launch base,
political actions are necessary to arrive at a level playing field world-wide as well as to
encourage private investment (e.g. through tax incentives or loan guarantees, controlling
technology exports). Such actions must be taken at EU level, making full use of the closer
relationship developing between ESA and the European Union.

To respond to the US-Russian commercial alliances, Europe should break away from its
current isolation and develop international alliances that would contribute to increase the
competitiveness of European launch services and the accessible market. One possibility could
build upon the Starsem European-Russian venture involving the operation of the Soyuz
launcher from Baïkonour. Transferring the commercial exploitation of Soyuz to Kourou,
under the control of Arianespace, would possibly increase the performance of Soyuz for the
geostationary market and provide Arianespace with complementary capabilities.

Exploiting Soyuz from Kourou would potentially be meaningful in the perspective of a
longer-term strategic co-operation with Russia in the launcher sector, justifying investment
from the public sector. Other international co-operations with the USA, Japan, etc., could be
investigated for the next generation of launchers.

Most European efforts on launcher development are today focused on upgrading the Ariane 5
system to match market evolution. It will be important, however, to initiate projects, including
demonstrators, to anticipate new breakthrough developments leading to drastic cuts in the
launch costs and, in consequence, to a competitive advantage for all European space-related
activities.

Recommendations

–

–

European launcher and satellite industry to jointly assess the present situation in the
commercial market and to submit to EU and ESA a set of recommendations for
public actions in order to ensure a strong, independent, affordable and competitive
European access to Space.

Investigate possibilities to maintain a competitive launch base in Kourou (French
Guyana).

9

–

Devote a significant effort on technological developments that would reduce
dramatically launch costs and therefore expand the development of new launch
services.

3.1.2.

Space technology

Analysis

Technology development is concerned with providing the necessary technical tools for space
projects and space-related services. Actually this development is twofold, with on the one
hand the development of specific technologies to support current programmes, and on the
other hand the identification of innovative technologies to support future services and
applications and the demonstration of these new technologies. Therefore, it has to be seen as
an important component in Europe’s efforts to ensure the future competitiveness of its space
industry.

However, technologies for space must also be considered as part of a wider technology
development, thus raising the need for a permanent watch of terrestrial technologies and a
dialogue with non-space sectors, in particular service providers. Such a dialogue would be
also beneficial in order to identify the most promising fields for targeted innovation. In
parallel, efforts to harmonise space technology developments must be increased across
Europe so as to maximise efficiency and to ensure that areas deemed strategic are covered.

Against this background, ESA has already deployed a large set of tools. Technology R&D
programmes address generic technologies as required for the spacecraft bus, ground segment,
payload data exploitation and engineering tools as well as specific developments for
programmes. ESA has also specialised R&D programmes contributing to the three objectives
of the European strategy for space in Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation,
science and exploration, manned space and microgravity, and space transportation.

ESA has also set up a technology strategy process leading to a regularly updated European
Space Technology Master Plan (ESTMP), aiming at gathering technology requirements,
capabilities and plans from all actors throughout Europe (space agencies, industry) to produce
a consistent and harmonised master plan for technology at European level.

A process defining priorities leads to dedicated technology plans (e.g. for solar cells), to the
completion of which some or all partners commit themselves. The technology plans are
pursued in “variable geometry”, involving national activities. The inputs to the ESTMP are
frequently updated and the progress is regularly monitored. On the other hand, the next EU
R&D Framework programme will for the first time address space as a priority, notably under
the thematic priorities “Aeronautics & Space” and “Information Society Technologies”.
Activities will concentrate on GALILEO, GMES and Satellite Telecommunications.

Recommendations

–

–

EC fully to participate in ESA’s European Space Technology Master Plan and
provide its space-relevant technology data, analyses and studies as inputs to that
Master Plan.

EC to participate in the prioritisation and selection process within the ESTMP, and
to agree with ESA and other partners, e.g. industry and academia, on dedicated
plans for specific technologies (which might be led jointly by ESA/EC).

10

–

–

ESA to take a larger role in the New Framework Programme’s activities related to
through upstream consultation in the work programme
space technology,
preparation and in the implementation of
integrated projects and networks of
excellence in that field.

Consolidate the efforts (which presently amount to approx. 10% of total public
investments in space) to be dedicated to technology R&D, with a specific emphasis
on targeted innovation and preparation of future services.

3.2.

Objective “Enhancing scientific knowledge”

Analysis

Basic science aims at providing access to knowledge. It is a domain of strategic importance
from a technological, economical, cultural and educational point of view. It can also be a tool
to materialise the political ambitions of Europe: the Union’s strategic goal for the next decade
to become “the most dynamic knowledge-based society in the world” requires a sustained
investment in basic science. In particular, the ratio between the European and American
space-based science investment should not degrade further.

Space-based science is a trilogy, i.e.: (i) science of space: understanding the Universe, our
Galaxy and Solar System; (ii) science in space: using the characteristics of space, essentially
microgravity, to perform experiments in physics and life sciences; (iii) science from space:
placing observatories in Earth orbit to study the Earth, its climate, atmosphere and overall
environment so as to better understand its functioning.

As such, space-based science encompasses ESA and Member State programmes dealing with
life and physical sciences, and Earth sciences.
space science, manned spaceflight,
Furthermore the new European exploration initiative, “Aurora”, should contribute to the
scientific exploration of the Solar System by developing the relevant critical technologies and
providing the required programmatic tools, and its long-term objectives could have significant
political appeal in a vision of European identity.

Basic science is symbiotic with applied science. Non-space industries have a growing interest
to access space-based science and instruments for exploitable applications. Although the
outcome of such activities is not easily predictable, space-based science directly contributes to
technological innovation and industrial competitiveness in setting new and more ambitious
scientific targets. It contributes to technological development and enables further exploitation:
Earth sciences for instance, using data from remote sensing satellites, prepare the scientific
basis for public or commercial environmental services.

Space-based science activities in Europe are part of long-term plans combined in a flexible
manner within an overall framework (the “Horizon” concept). All programme activities have
priorities set according to the “best-science principle”, on a “peer-review” basis.

Member States are invited to contribute to the ESA missions either via scientific payloads
developed and funded by national programmes or via additional funds to complementary ESA
programmes. These activities feature a high degree of European integration but should be
harmonised in a larger frame of co-ordination such as the European Research Area (ERA) to
avoid fragmentation and duplication, to help the scientific community to have better access to
space infrastructure and systems and to promote synergies between space and ground
activities.

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One of the ERA objectives is to establish, on a European scale, a new relationship between
science and the citizens, by strengthening the link between research activities, policies and the
long-term needs of society. This applies to space based science: achieving a better
understanding of the Solar system and the Universe, of our planet, its origin and environment
respond to citizens’ expectations. Space-based science is strongly evocative of frontier
technology and should attract more the interest of the young generations. A concerted effort
must be made by all involved entities to improve European citizens’ awareness of the positive
impact of space-based science to everyday life.

Lastly, it is essential for Europe to stay competitive in space science in order to remain an
attractive partner for international co-operation and in global scientific endeavours. This must
be preserved and reinforced. This includes attracting promising researchers from third
countries, to promote the training of European researchers abroad and then to facilitate their
return.

Recommendations

–

–

–

–

–

Consolidate the position of the European Space Science community vis-à-vis world-
wide co-operation and competition. ESA and the EC to network and co-ordinate
national and international space-related RTD programmes, to co-ordinate centres of
excellence, to launch large integrated strategic projects, and to foster international
co-operation programmes beyond today’s ESA/EU border,
in particular with
Eastern European countries, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

Assess synergies with the European Space Science Committee of
Science Foundation.

the European

Improve access of research teams to existing state-of-the-art infrastructures, by
taking advantage of the newly created EIROforum (European Intergovernmental
Research Organisations
joint
infrastructure development promoting the use of the GRID through pilot projects.
ESA and the EC to prepare a joint database of ground-based facilities.

forum), and by proposing a mechanism for

Make full use of the International Space Station, with special support for deriving
Earth-based applications or preparatory research in particular for non-space
industry. Co-ordinate these activities with national programmes in the same domain.

Jointly develop a long-term Action Plan on human resources for space-based
sciences and technologies, building on existing organisations (e.g. Euroscience),
with the main aim to strengthen human capital and its education and training, to
further the dialogue on science, society and citizens, to stimulate the interest of
young people and to promote gender balance in space science.

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3.3.

Objective “Reaping the benefits for markets and society”

3.3.1. GALILEO

Analysis

The development of a European satellite navigation, positioning and timing infrastructure
stems from the political determination to ensure an independent capability in that field.
GALILEO, as proposed by the European actors, is a global system, controlled by civilian
authorities, to be operational by 2008. Its aim is to offer state-of-the-art, reliable, certified and
guaranteed services, fully integrated at local level, and tailored to user needs as identified
from the definition phase.

By the time GALILEO will be operational, satellite navigation markets will have reached
maturity thanks to existing satellite-based navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS and
their respective regional augmentations (EGNOS). This will allow an early take-up of
GALILEO services; GALILEO’s compatibility with GPS should attract a large customer base
from service improvements stemming out of double constellations,
that will benefit
technically independent
from each other, and from the service-oriented approach of
GALILEO.

GALILEO can support a wide range of policies and users. The system will impact on the
Transport Policy and the various transportation modes, and will represent a key component of
the Trans–European transport network. Other policies and activities (environment, agriculture
and fisheries, energy, research, customs, anti-fraud, monitoring of dangerous goods, ..) will
also benefit from its services. Consequently, the EU has to play a decisive role in the overall
strategic and political monitoring of the project.

Following the current proposal,
the EC provides the political guidelines and overall
monitoring of the programme; it also takes care of the viability of the infrastructure whereas
ESA will manage the development of the space segment and the associated ground segment.

While the development and validation phase (2002-2005) is expected to be mostly covered by
€
public funds (550 M
from ESA’s
budget), a significant investment will be required from the private sector for the deployment
phase, according to modalities still to be confirmed.

€
from the EU Trans-European Network budget and 550 M

Although it is too early to draw conclusions, several observations can already be made.
Firstly, too much complexity in the decision-making process exposes the project to political
fluctuations and procedural delays; secondly, the respective roles of the different parties
involved have to be clearly specified early. Lastly, mixing different financial instruments,
subject to different rules, timing and decision authorities may be delicate to operate.

To cope with some of these issues and to establish a single management authority, the
Commission has proposed, using for the first time article 171 of the EU Treaty, the set up of a
single body (“Joint Undertaking”) which would have the overall responsibility for GALILEO
during the development and validation phase. The formal decision is expected to be approved
at EU Council level in December 2001; conditions of participation of the private sector and
third countries in this entity also remain to be confirmed.

ESA has proposed solutions in agreement with Article 171 of the EU Treaty and with the
ESA Convention.

13

Until a final decision (early 2002), the GALILEO interim support structure will provide a
support to the Commission to monitor the programme.

Regarding security,
the concern is on the protection of the
infrastructure against misuse and intentional threats, these aspects being part of its definition.
Security Boards have been created both at EU and ESA levels to address these matters.

in GALILEO terminology,

Recommendations

The complexity of the GALILEO programme requires a simple and robust management
scheme to be set up. The activities listed below confirm the need for a longer-term
management arrangement to be adopted:

–

–

–

–

–

Public funding: Secure funding possibilities from the EU Trans-European Network
budget and ESA budget; identify potential research funding possibilities from the
next Framework Programme for GALILEO-related activities (services, applications,
receivers) other than the development and validation of the space and related ground
segment. For the period 2001 – 2006, indicative sources of financing at European
level have been identified. As far as 2007 is concerned, the contribution of the
Community budget to the funding of Galileo might be examined as part of the
process of preparing financial forecasts relating to the period after 2006.

Private sector involvement: develop downstream activities before the GALILEO
system is fully deployed in order to attract private investors and early customers.
Ensure an adequate private sector involvement in the development of a market
approach to GALILEO.

Political dimension: address security aspects in a timely manner and establish the
appropriate security mechanism across all phases of the programme. Establish an
appropriate dialogue on security issues between the Directorates-General of the
Commission, the Secretary General of the Council of the EU/High Representative for
CFSP, the Director General of ESA and relevant authorities in Member States.
Define the future role of ESA with respect to these issues. Build GALILEO in
coherence with the European Strategy for Space and with the political evolution of
the European Union.

International dimension: Set up an agreement with the U.S. and with the Russian
Federation for system interoperability; promote partnership with third countries;
these countries and allow them to
establish guidelines for the participation of
contribute directly to the programme.

Application dimension: Develop a European Radio-navigation Plan incorporating
all navigation means in Europe and ensure standardisation in all application
domains.

14

3.3.2. Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES)

Analysis

to global

The EU and ESA Councils have emphasised the strategic importance for Europe of
independent and permanent access
information relating to environmental
management and monitoring, risk surveillance and the enhancement of safety and civil
security. Relevant and timely information will be critical
the definition and
implementation of policies within the European Union on the environment, global climate
change,
regional and
international development, humanitarian aid, conflict prevention, crisis management and
external relations.

sustainable development,

and fisheries,

agriculture

research,

for

As proposed, GMES is an ambitious concept, reconciling the political demands arising out of
environmental and security questions and the scientific and technological capabilities of Earth
observation and the information society. The themes of global change, environmental stress
and natural and man-made disasters are addressed by the initiative, which will be focussed
around the operational needs of European public organisations.

Furthermore, partnerships should be developed with international organisations and groupings
such as CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) and the IGOS-P (Integrated
Global Observing Strategy Partnership).

The aim is to establish by 2008 a European capacity for global monitoring of environment
and security and to support the Union’s political goals regarding sustainable development and
global governance, by facilitating and fostering over the next decade the operational provision
of enhanced quality data, information and knowledge.

GMES will establish the foundations for the more efficient collection, integration, and use of
geographical information and observations on the state of the environment collected by space,
airborne and ground based systems and methods.

together

the European Commission,

GMES brings
the European Space Agency,
EUMETSAT, the national space agencies, the European Environment Agency, industry, the
national administrations and the scientific communities. The EC and ESA have jointly created
an implementation strategy and are defining complementary implementation plans around
three main lines of action: (i) the supply of information and services corresponding to user
needs; (ii) the ongoing assessment of needs and production processes and facilitation of the
dialogue between users and information providers; (iii) the development of the required
infrastructures and improvement of services.

To achieve the objectives of GMES, Europe’s strength in the R&D domain, built up over
many years, will need to be transferred in a sustainable and cost-effective manner to the
operational domain. Therefore, right from the beginning, a clear focus on user needs and a
strong involvement of industry as main future operator are essential. However:

–

Very few user-driven and sustainable information services have been developed so
far using Earth observation data (with the notable exception of EUMETSAT
services);

15

–

–

–

–

A major challenge lies in the co-ordination of the various emerging national,
resulting
intergovernmental or
compatibility;

initiatives and systems and their

international

The sources, instruments or mechanisms for long term funding of GMES are largely
unknown and require investigation;

The security and dual use dimensions of GMES have not been adequately
investigated thus far;

Gaps in the current European Earth observation monitoring capacity are likely to
occur as soon as 2006 (end of on going and under development optical and radar
imagery missions).

A key concept of GMES is the development of operational, sustainable information services
based on a synergy of Earth observation with other technologies (such as information and
communication technologies). In this respect, lessons can be drawn from the development of
operational meteorological services using satellite data and the subsequent creation of
EUMETSAT. This requires the establishment of a sound user base, the accompanying legal
and policy framework, the development of technology to provide operational information
services, and,
the implementation of such technologies into the operational
information collection cycle of the user community. A close co-operation between the EC,
representing and federating the demand side (user and policy domain), and ESA, representing
partially the supply side (Earth observation from space), and other suppliers of environmental
and related data is mandatory in this process.

finally,

Recommendations

–

–

–

–

–

Set up rapidly robust and effective organisations, institutional arrangements and
procedures for involving the GMES stakeholders (in particular users) and for
defining and meeting the needs of users for operational services (e.g. GMES Support
Team and GMES Steering Committee).

Establish a close co-operation between ESA and EC in the implementation of the
Sixth Framework Programme activities related to Earth Observation through
upstream consultation of ESA in the work programme preparation and evaluation of
the activities, and EC involvement in the relevant ESA activities.

Identify potential funding possibilities for the programmes required to provide the
identified operational services to public sector users. Identify potential funding
possibilities from the ESA budget and from the current and next Framework
Programmes for GMES-related activities.

Establish an appropriate dialogue on security and dual use issues between the
Directorates-General of the Commission, the Secretary General of the Council of the
EU/High Representative for CFSP, ESA and relevant authorities in Member States.
Determine the future role of ESA with respect to these issues.

Involve industry as soon as possible in the definition of the appropriate tools and
services in order to create sustainable and cost effective services and to ensure
European competitiveness.

16

–

Explore, where appropriate, and take into account both the need for autonomous
access to information in some strategic fields and the possibilities for international
co-operation (e.g. in the frame of CEOS) in fulfilment of EU policies on global
environmental monitoring, climate change, security, external relations, aid etc.

3.3.3.

Satellite communications

Analysis

€

Fuelled by the Internet expansion, the demand for telecommunications services in both
business and residential markets has grown considerably, producing an overall turnover in
2000 of more than
1 trillion. More recently, the burst of the ‘Internet bubble’ and the
uncertainties faced by the mobile industry have raised doubts on the continuing growth of the
sector and have highlighted the critical impact of the regulatory context and of technological
maturity on market developments.

There is, however, little doubt that the trend towards obtaining more broadband, generalised
Internet access, the availability of sophisticated applications and the general increase of
mobility will continue.

30 billion in 2000 and are expected to grow to almost

important part of the overall
Satellite based services constitute a relatively small but
telecommunications market. Total satellite communications industry revenues accounted for
€
110 billion by 2007. More than 50%
of the overall satellite capacity is dedicated to broadcasting, with some 100 million European
homes receiving TV from satellites either directly or by means of cable distribution systems
connected to master satellite system receivers.

€

The majority of future industry growth is expected to occur in the following fields: (i)
interactive multimedia (use of satellite services to by-pass terrestrial bottlenecks and to
provide access in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial technologies); (ii) mobile voice and
data services; (iii) digital audio radio systems, to offer multiple, high quality radio channels
and data services.

Convergence of mobile and broadcasting services is also considered as a promising avenue to
open up new markets and applications. This evolution towards the mass market provision of
telecom services will have the following consequences: (i) a growing requirement seamlessly
to integrate terrestrial systems with satellite systems; (ii) a changing role for the satellite
communication operators, who will have to manage end to end services, rather than just
selling capacity; (iii) a growing need for standards, so as to avoid addressing mass markets
with different terminals for satellite and terrestrial usage.

In the communications satellite manufacturing sector, European industry has acquired a
strong position on the world market, winning a large share of the open market for
geostationary satellites. European operators are also major world players. The challenge is
now for them to continue to increase their market share in a rapidly changing environment,
which implies considerable investments in R&D.

Integration of space navigation and earth observation with satellite telecommunications may
prove beneficial, allowing for the development and implementation of many specific value-
added services with high potential economic and, in some instances, strategic value. This,
however, requires further analysis,
in particular regarding the respective positioning of
satellite and terrestrial communication for the provision of these integrated services.

17

By and large, satellite telecommunications must be seen in the broad context of Community
policies such as: information society (for regulatory framework), competition, trade (for
commercial and international regulatory agreements), development aid, culture, transport and
environment. In this context, the information society regulatory policy encompasses the
Community’s efforts to foster a competitive market for satellite communications and the
establishment of a new framework for a co-ordinated spectrum policy at Community level,
frequencies being a scarce resource critical to all satellite communication systems.

Regarding the research policy an improved co-operation between the Community and ESA is
required, since European actors do not benefit from the same level of public investment as the
USA, where most of the R&D budget (10 times larger than that of Europe) comes from the
Department of Defence, with a substantial
transfer of dual use technology to civil
applications.

Up to now, ESA programmes have brought the space industry together around ambitious
satellite communication programmes and fostered the emergence of a competitive satellite
communication sector in Europe. They now aim to support future evolution of satellite
communication towards the provision of broadband interactive services in the mobile, fixed
and broadcasting communication domains.

The information society technologies’ programme of the EU Framework Programme does not
address space borne equipment in an isolated manner but aims at validating the related
technologies and services in a mixed satellite-terrestrial environment, and at optimising
interoperability. This scheme provides the space industry with a unique opportunity to have a
direct access to the evolution planned by the terrestrial sector and to establish further links
with terrestrial players. Another main objective is to reach industry consensus on key
technological issues and associated standards (e.g. UMTS) with adequate linkage to relevant
regulatory issues.

Up to now, co-ordination of EC and ESA activities has been done on an ad-hoc basis.
Contrary to earth observation or navigation where the deployment of space infrastructures is
supported by public entities under a political initiative, there is no obvious publicly-led co-
ordination framework for telecommunications, where operational infrastructures are directly
deployed by the private sector.

Recommendations

–

–

–

–

Foster the development of satellite communications to provide advanced services to
European citizens in the context of policies supported by the Union such as
Education, Health, Transport, Environment and e-Europe.

Ensure that appropriate consultation takes place between the joint EC/ESA space
policy and the co-ordination scheme to be established in the field of frequency
spectrum policy.

Jointly study potential value-added services taking benefit from the integration of
European space infrastructures in telecommunications, navigation and earth
observation.

Continue to use the existing Satellite Action Plan group, with strong support from
industry and operators, as a focal point for the above-related issues and for the

18

implementation of the ‘non research policy issues’ of the European Strategy for
Space in the telecom domain.

Organise a joint consultation with industry on the topics to be addressed under a
joint EC/ESA scheme.

ESA to take a larger role in the implementation of the next EU R&D Framework
programme activities
through upstream
consultation in the work programme preparation and by taking a leading role for the
implementation of potential integrated projects or networks of excellence in the field
of satellite communications.

related to satellite communications,

Identify potential funding possibilities for the implementation of jointly developed
projects in the short-term.

–

–

–

3.4.

Horizontal Aspects

3.4.1.

Industrial aspects

Analysis

During recent years, globalisation and the increasing commercialisation of space caused a
significant restructuring of the industrial space sector both world-wide and in Europe. The
European space industry shows balance between commercial and institutional activities, in
contrast to the US industry operating mainly in institutional activities, which represents nearly
80% of its turnover.

In the light of this restructuring, Europe’s industrial policy has to ensure the existence of the
necessary technological and industrial base in space,
to ensure European
independence in strategic key areas and a high degree of global competitiveness and cost-
effectiveness, as well as to meet Europe’s developing common security and defence
requirements.

in order

Today, industrial policies of the European Union and ESA show some significant differences.
While the Union’s policy is dedicated to establishing an over-all European framework for
industry in general, ESA’s industrial policy is strictly dedicated to the space sector. It features
elements (especially geographical return) known from related sectors like defence, where
European independence and Europe’s wish to be present
in a strategic market are key
objectives. The priorities of ESA’s industrial policy are to support the competitiveness of
European industry and foster a balanced European space industry; to ensure fair access to
ESA activities for all firms; to enhance the cost effectiveness of ESA programmes; and to
ensure equitable participation by each State commensurate with its investments in ESA
programmes.

The Community’s broad notion of industrial, or as it is now called, enterprise policy, has
always been considered to encompass all of the policy areas which have a direct impact on the
life of enterprises and the conditions for their competitiveness (i.e. policies on the Internal
Market, Economic Affairs, Competition, Trade, External Relations and other areas, as well as
R&D where an explicit reference is set out in Art. 163 of the Treaty).

Areas for harmonisation, co-operation, synergies and joint actions between the European
Commission and the European Space Agency with respect to enterprise policy have been
identified. Furthermore, the EC and ESA should use the GALILEO and GMES programmes

19

to better understand and harmonise their
implementation.

industrial policy requirements and their

EC and ESA share in particular the view that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can play
an important role in the exploitation of the technologies developed under institutional funding
because they are close to the market and users, present everywhere and are capable rapidly to
to needs. Both institutions intend to encourage this exploitation in
innovate and adapt
particular in the fields of navigation,
telecommunications, environmental security, risk
monitoring and civil security.

Recommendations

–

–

–

–

–

Establish an institutionalised co-operation between the EC and ESA actions in
favour of SMEs. This co-operation will cover joint actions to boost the technological
capacities of SMEs and their ability to operate on a European and international
scale in the space and non-space sectors. A detailed action plan will be established
by the end of 2001.

Publish from 2001 on a bi-annual basis joint reports on the status of the space
industry. The next ESA study on the structure of the European space industry
(focusing on the satellite equipment manufacturers, the launch sector, the software
sector and the ground segment providers) should involve all concerned EC services
during the progress meetings.

Regarding space, in EC cases related to competition, ESA is invited to comment
following publication in the Official Journal. The Joint Task Force may further
investigate how to organise ESA support.

EC and ESA to define joint actions to maximise the benefits that space industry can
draw from the EC Multiannual Programme for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

Building on existing elements such as High level Space Industry Panel, EC and ESA
to establish a structured joint process of dialogue with industry on matters of
common interest between the two organisations and in particular the development
and implementation of the joint strategy.

3.4.2.

International aspects (co-operation and enlargement)

Analysis

The European Strategy for Space as developed in 2000 underlines the need for Europe to
show coherence vis-à-vis third countries. This means that on the space scene – be it regional
or global – Europe (i.e. the EU, ESA and the Member States) has to speak in unison in order
to enhance its credibility and the effectiveness of its activities. This requires a greater
transparency and a better information flow before any European actor engages in non-
commercial co-operation with an outside partner. This latter aspect not only applies to
Europe’s co-operation with the US, its most important partner, and other space powers like
Russia, Japan, China and India, but also to Europe’s increasing co-operation with emerging
space nations.

The biggest step forward could be achieved with Russia, in line with the political will of the
EU to build a strategic partnership. ESA would become an instrument for the concrete and
effective implementation of such a partnership for Space. This new co-operation with Russia

20

focuses on GALILEO, GMES and launchers. It is now in the process of being embedded into
the overall foreign policy of the Union with Russia (Partnership Co-operation Agreement,
Science & Technology Agreement, and then Space Dialogue).

The association of Canada to ESA and the long-standing co-operation with the USA in space
science and the International Space Station must be reflected in this new approach to embrace
space in the EU policies for international co-operation.

Closer to the Union, the Enlargement process facing the EU, and ESA potentially, poses a
unique challenge, without precedent
the number of
candidates, the area (increase of 34%) and population (increase of 105 million), the wealth of
different histories and cultures. The use of space systems can speed up the modernisation of
candidate countries infrastructure (e.g. broadcasting, transport management, customs, civil
protection).

in terms of scope and diversity:

With the endorsement of the new European Co-operating States model agreement (ECS) by
ESA Council in March 2001, which will help to strengthen the link between ECSs and the
Agency in order to facilitate their potential future accession to ESA, it will be possible to
harmonise the schedules and to benefit from mutual synergies for full accession of candidate
states to the Union and ESA.

Recommendations

–

–

–

–

4

Explore the possibilities to embed the co-operation in Space into the overall foreign
policy of the EU. Perform a joint analysis to be submitted to the Union’s appropriate
group/committee dealing with external Relations and ESA’s International Relations
Committee.

EC and ESA to elaborate further the detailed contents of the future co-operation in
Space with Russia, with a view to achieving a new strategic partnership.

to
EC and ESA to investigate the benefits of Space applications with respect
Enlargement of the Union. ESA and EC to initiate before mid-2002 a study together
with candidate countries on the potential benefits of space in the adaptation of
infrastructures.

EC and ESA to co-ordinate closely the activities of
delegations in third countries.

their representations and

TOWARDS THE NEXT STAGE: SETTING UP OF A POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL
FRAMEWORK CONDUCIVE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A EUROPEAN SPACE POLICY

Space in Europe has entered a new phase. It has evolved from being a research endeavour and
instrument to become a unique and critical technology enabling Europe to address and
achieve a large number of the goals embedded in policies such as economic growth,
information society, transport and energy infrastructure, environment protection and peace-
keeping.

Space must become an integral component of the European Union’s core policies. The first
benefits of such a development are already highlighted by the GALILEO and GMES
initiatives. Furthermore, Space provides the means to support the efforts linked to Europe’s

21

enlargement and to enable the EU to spread its influence and consolidate its role on the world
scene.

Confronted with the competitive pressure coming from other regions of the world,
the
European space actors cannot afford to address space issues in a dispersed and fragmented
way. In this respect, Europe must now commit to support a clear European space policy and
identity. In the spirit of subsidiarity, all efforts and resources, be they public or private,
undertaken at regional, national or European level, must fit within a coherent, common vision,
strategy and policy.

In order to play its full role as a major space power, Europe must be able to do better with the
means at its disposal and to optimise the political and institutional framework that sets its
operating conditions in the space sector. This process will take some time, but its dynamics
will open new opportunities and developments.

The European Strategy for Space, as defined in 2000, underlines the importance of Space as a
cross-sectorial strategic asset and policy instrument. It should lead to the definition and
establishment of a genuine European Space Policy, which would combine eventually the
strategy per se, a European Space Programme (an essential element due in particular to its
structuring effect on the space constituency), as well as a set of implementing rules. It would
initially build on a detailed review of concrete on going or planned initiatives such as
GALILEO and GMES, and on the general status of implementation of the European Strategy
for Space. It would also provide a broad view at all levels (EU, ESA and national). Regarding
its implementation, a prominent role would be foreseen for the Network of Centres (including
European and national organisations) led by ESA, in line with the European Research Area
concept.

To progress on this way, a series of actions need to be considered:

–

–

–

–

ESA has proved to be an efficient instrument for channelling the efforts of its
Member States and developing the competitiveness of the European space industry.
The flexibility of its programmes must be maintained, making it possible for
different programmes to be initiated by different national or other configurations
(“variable geometry”). The Community should, where appropriate, contribute to
ESA programmes. In this respect, it should be granted an appropriate status within
the ESA Council.

ESA’s effectiveness, which must be preserved, should be applied to a broader scope.
In line with the rapid developments occurring in the field of security (e.g. the newly
created EU Satellite Centre), its activities should be extended to programmes related
to the development of a European Foreign and Security Policy, considering the dual
aspects of technology, systems and industry.

To improve the political decision-making process and guidance, especially for
relations between the EU and ESA, it appears beneficial to convene in future joint
informal meetings of the EU Council and ESA Ministerial Council, based on an
appropriate joint preparation.

In order to maintain the momentum of the current strategy, the European Space
Policy as defined above should be jointly and urgently developed by all parties
involved, i.e. the European Commission, the ESA Executive and EU and ESA
Member States, in compliance with their respective roles. The Secretary General of

22

the Council of the EU/High Representative for CFSP should also be involved for
security and defence aspects4. The European Space Policy would be reviewed by a
joint informal meeting of the EU Council and ESA Ministerial Council.

To reach an optimum integration of space capabilities and infrastructures into the
Union’s overall policies and to support the focussing of space activities towards the
needs of the users and citizens, this European Space Policy has to be presented at the
highest level for political endorsement. It is only Heads of State and Governments,
meeting at their European Councils, who can consider the European Space Policy in
full, including security and defence aspects. This policy could be presented for the
first time at the European Council in the second half of 2003. Later on, it should be
regularly updated (every three to five years) so as to be politically validated by the
European Council.

It has become clear that the policy development process and its implementation
depend firstly and critically on the co-operation between the European Union and
ESA both at political and executive levels. The formalisation of their co-operation
has, therefore, to be immediately addressed. In a first step, a Framework agreement
between the two entities, outlining both the policy development and implementation
issues, is necessary.

Looking to the longer term, the on-going debate on the future of the European Union
may provide an opportunity to consider whether the development of the European
Space Policy can be assisted by modifications to the current EU Treaty. However, for
a successful introduction of such modifications, the political debate has to be entered
as early as possible.

At Community level, one particular issue related to the future Treaty may be the
consideration of whether decisions relating to the European Space Policy are taken
under co-decision by the EU Council and European Parliament.

If changes to the EU Treaty were to be made, consequential changes to the ESA
Convention could be needed.

–

–

–

–

–

Recommendations

Short-term (up to the end of 2002):

–

–

4

Explore the possibilities to negotiate and conclude a Framework agreement between
the European Community and ESA to take forward the process of developing the
future European Space Policy as well as ESA’s additional role as the “implementing
agency”(see glossary in Annex) of public programmes under the initiative of the EU.

Perform a thorough analysis to define ESA’s future additional role as the
“implementing agency” of the EU taking into account the experience acquired in the
on-going co-operation in GALILEO and GMES. This should also take into account
the latest developments regarding the Community’s 6th Framework programme for
RTD and the on-going ESA activities and possible future programmes.

These latter aspects are only partially addressed in this Report due to current existing institutional
limitations.

23

–

–

–

Prolong the mandate for the JTF and JSSAG until the conclusion of the Framework
agreement. The agreement could include the definition of a permanent structure as
follow-on to the Joint Task Force, instrumental in the shaping of the European Space
Policy.

Hold the first “Space Council” (i.e. a joint informal meeting of the EU Council and
ESA Ministerial Council) before mid-2002, to discuss in particular institutional
issues and Space Policy related matters.

Establish a regular platform for dialogue between the European Commission, ESA
Executive, EU and ESA Member States and the Secretary General of the Council of
the EU/High Representative for CFSP.

Medium Term (2003):

–

Present the European Space Policy to the European Council, taking account of the
views of the “Space Council”.

Long Term (beyond 2003):

–

Profit from the general debate on the future of the Union to consider whether the
development of the European Space Policy can be assisted by modifications to the
current EU Treaty. Were changes to be made to the EU Treaty, the ESA Convention
could be amended accordingly.

24

GLOSSARY:

ANNEX

European Council: Regular meetings (usually held once or twice under each EU
Presidency) of the EU Heads of State and Governments.

European Space Policy: The European Space Policy is mainly composed of the
European Strategy for Space, European Space Programme (ESA and national
Programmes), implementing process and associated budgets.

European Strategy for Space: The Strategy provides the major guidelines for
establishing a coherent approach for space in Europe. It constitutes a strong political
reference for public and private actors to act in the field of space and for their individual
and co-operative efforts to build a coherent and effective space infrastructure. It also
constitutes a basis for consulting and mobilising society at large on the benefits that can
be derived from space-based information and knowledge.

Framework Agreement: Agreement defining the frame of the political and financial co-
operation between the European Community and ESA.

Implementing Agency: In the Space Strategy context, this terminology refers at a public
institution, having specific competencies in space and related domains, to which the
implementation of a relevant initiative (required for a project or policy of which another
public institution is in charge), is entrusted, under specific conditions agreed with this
other institution.

JTF: The Joint Task Force, set up by the ESA Executive and the Commission, reviews
the strategy and its implementation and elaborates proposals for framework arrangements
for the management of joint projects. The JTF is composed of staff from the ESA
Executive and the Commission services.

JSSAG: The Joint Space Strategy Advisory Group advises and accompanies the work of
the Joint Task Force on all issues related to Space, notably on the further development
and implementation of the European Strategy for Space. The JSSAG is composed of
representatives from EU and ESA Member States. It is convened and co-chaired by the
Commission and ESA Executive.

Space Council: Informal meeting of EU Council and ESA Ministerial Council. The
Space Council provides the European Space Policy with the necessary impetus for its
development and sets out general political orientations for that policy.

25