WRITTEN QUESTION E-3679/02 by Alexander Radwan (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Busquin: EU should be true space power (article in the European Voice, 19 September, page 8 — news).
Date: 2002-12-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Space Agency, European security, militarisation of space, space policy, space science, use of outer space

C 155 E/180

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.7.2003

(2003/C 155 E/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3679/02

by Alexander Radwan (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 December 2002)

Subject: Busquin: EU should be ‘true space power’ (article in the European Voice, 19 September, page 8 (cid:1)

news)

Over the last 30 years the European Space Agency has been extremely successful in developing the Ariane
launcher and the capabilities to build high-tech satellites giving Europe independent access to space.

In view of this and with reference to the above-mentioned article:

1. What in the Commission’s opinion is missing to make the EU a ‘true space power’?

2. Does the Commission believe that the EU lacks military involvement in space, and should such
involvement come through a military participation in a future ‘EU space policy’ or through a space
chapter in Europe’s defence policy?

3.

Is it correct that the Commission promotes military satellite applications in general or specifically with
EU research funds?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(24 January 2003)

The Commission takes note of the important questions raised by the Honourable Member. Indeed, the
Commission is finalising a ‘Green paper’ on the future of Space in Europe, to be adopted at the beginning
of 2003. It is expected that the Green Paper will generate a broad discussion amongst all stakeholders
during the first half of 2003, on the options for the future activities in space applications and the
supporting technologies. As a result, this process should identify policies and milestones to reinforce
Europe’s position as a true space power.

in line with the resolution of the
Following this consultation process, the Commission will prepare,
Parliament (1), a White Paper with concrete proposals for actions and milestones to be implemented which
should provide answers to some of the questions raised by the Honourable Member. One of the aspects for
consideration during the consultation is ‘multiple use’ applications, where the same technologies can be
deployed for either civil or security/defence applications.

The Commission does not presently finance any military satellite application with research funds.

(1) Report Alyssandrakis (cid:1) January 2002 (cid:1) Ref: P5 TARPOV (2002) 0015 ‘Europe and Space’ (cid:1) resolution adopted

17.1.2002.

(2003/C 155 E/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3732/02

by Philip Bradbourn (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 December 2002)

Subject: Galileo

Would the Commission confirm that it has received a copy of the recent statement by the Royal Institute
of Navigation which expresses concern as to the risks posed to the ‘Galileo’ satellite system by natural and
man-made interference, such as EMP, and would it provide details of what contingency measures are
proposed in the event of such occurrences to ensure the safety of aircraft and other users of the system
once it is operational?