A more coherent European Space Strategy

   Brussels, 17 January 2002

Konstantinos ALYSSANDRAKIS (EUL/NGL, GR) Report on the Commission communication to the Council and the European Parliament on Europe and Space: Turning to a new chapter (COM(2000) 597 - C5-0146/2001 - 2001/2072(COS))
Doc.: A5-0451/2001  

Procedure: Consultation paper

Debate: 16.01.2002

Vote: 17.01.2002

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the Commission communication on the need to develop a more coherent European Space Strategy.

MEPs emphasised that space activities should be intended for peaceful purposes only, which may include military applications for peacekeeping operations. The EU needs to state clearly that the exploitation and use of outer space should be carried out for peaceful purposes and in the interest of mankind, and in accordance with international law. The non-proliferation of arms and avoiding an arms race in outer space should form the guiding principle of the EU's space policy.

MEPs welcomed the drafting of a coherent European strategy for space and stressed the importance of close and effective cooperation between the Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA). In addition, they believe that the ESA (which operates on the basis of intergovernmental cooperation) should, in the longer term, be brought within the EU, while retaining its autonomy.

MEPs also emphasised the importance of the Galileo project for transport, and European space strategy.

A European Council decision of December 1999 called on the Commission and the ESA to elaborate on this strategy. Furthermore, the Council has requested the Commission to set up, as soon as possible, in cooperation with the ESA, a joint high-level Task Force involving the Commission and the ESA Executive.

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European Parliament Daily Notebook 2002-01-17

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