A conference on ‘The Ambitions of Europe in Space’ on 15 and 16 October brought together members of the European Parliament, Council, European Commission, agencies, industry, research entities, operators, financing institutions as well as interested people from the media and public.

In his opening speech, the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, noted that space is an enabling tool allowing Europe to face some fundamental challenges: fighting the economic crisis, ensuring the well-being of our citizens, tackling climate change, finding ways to unleash our full potential for innovation and job creation, and to bring about a true knowledge society, as well as reinforcing Europe’s position in the world scene.

The flagship Galileo/EGNOS and Global Monitoring for Environment & Security (GMES) space programmes were presented as projects of fundamental importance for Europe’s future, under the leadership of the EU.

Many other applications of space in the different sectorial policies of the EU were presented and discussed. Conference speakers also highlighted how space can provide adapted and sustainable solutions for the delivery of humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and sustainable development.

Source: ESA