Council Decision 2012/281/CFSP of 29 May 2012 in the framework of the European Security Strategy in support of the Union proposal for an international Code of Conduct on outer-space activities

30.5.2012 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 140/68
COUNCIL DECISION 2012/281/CFSP
of 29 May 2012
in the framework of the European Security Strategy in support of the Union proposal for an international Code of Conduct on outer-space activities
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 26(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) Space activities are expanding and their importance is crucial. Space is a resource for all countries in the world. Those which do not yet have space activities will have them in the future. Therefore the Union considers that strengthening the security of activities in outer space is an important goal that will contribute to the development and security of States. This objective is part of the Union’s space policy.
(2) On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted a European Security Strategy identifying global challenges and threats, and calling for a rule-based international order based on effective multilateralism and well-functioning international institutions.
(3) The European Security Strategy acknowledges the United Nations Charter as the fundamental framework for international relations and advocates strengthening the United Nations and equipping it to fulfil its responsibilities and to act effectively. The Union works towards a high degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order, inter alia, to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
(4) The Union is committed to the development and implementation of transparency and confidence building measures, as a means to achieve enhanced space security. The Union is also particularly sensitive to the issue of the risks posed by space debris, whatever its origin, which is detrimental to present and future activities.
(5) On 18 September 2007, in its reply to United Nation General Assembly resolution 61/75 of 6 December 2006, the Union underlined that voluntary ‘rules of the road’ on outer-space activities endorsing best practices between space actors would serve that objective.
(6) In its Conclusions of 8-9 December 2008, the Council supported the first draft for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities, in which States would participate on a voluntary basis, and which included transparency and confidence-building measures, as a basis for consultations with key third countries that have activities in outer space or have interests in outer space activities, with the aim of reaching a text that is acceptable to the greatest number of countries.
(7) In the light of consultations with major space-faring nations, the Union has produced a revised version of the draft Code of Conduct, on the basis of which the Council, on 27 September 2010, gave a mandate to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to carry out further and wider consultations,