Statement by Commissioner Bieńkowska on the European Parliament's vote on the EU Space Programme

The European Parliament endorsed today the provisional agreement reached by the co-legislators on the EU Space Programme for the next budget period from 2021 to 2027. The European Commission proposed the Programme in June 2018. Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, said:

“I welcome today's vote at the European Parliament. Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and for Europe to pursue its strategic interests. We therefore need to ensure continuity and financial stability in our space activities. The new EU Space Programme will not only do that, but also address global challenges, such as fighting climate change, a transition to a low-carbon economy, smart mobility and digital economy. More will be invested in space activities to adapt to new needs and technologies, while reinforcing Europe's autonomous and secure access to space.

Just days ago I travelled to the United States for a visit dedicated to cooperation in space policy. The exchanges I had showed that Europe is a space power with a strong appeal to our international partners. Europe's space industry is the second largest in the world, and its space-enabled services fuel a steadily increasing 6-9% of our economy. The EU Space Programme will be key to keep this trend going.

Copernicus for Earth observation and Galileo for satellite navigation are two successful EU space programmes that already improve the lives of citizens and business in Europe and beyond. With its vote, the European Parliament has sent a clear signal to the space sector that these flagship projects will continue to prosper and will evolve towards new services. With the new Space Programme we also introduce new security-related space initiatives: space and situational awareness (SSA) and Governmental Satellite Communication (GOVSATCOM). We will also put the European space sector in a better position to react to the ongoing changes the space sector is undergoing worldwide. In particular, we will support a European ‘New Space' approach with innovative start-ups, reliable and cost-effective European launch solutions and increased European technological autonomy. Space matters for Europe.”

Background

As part of EU's next long-term budget for 2021-2027, the Commission put forward on 6 June 2018 its proposal for a €16 billion Space Programme to boost EU space leadership. In March 2019, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a common understanding on the Regulation. The budgetary aspects and some related horizontal provisions of the future EU space programme are subject to the overall agreement on the EU's next long-term budget, proposed by the Commission in May 2018.

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STATEMENT/19/2153

 

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