Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security (Extract from press release on Preparation of the Competitiveness Council of 29/30 May 2006)

Brussels, 24 May 2006

Tuesday 30th May

In February 2004, the European Commission adopted an action plan, (2004-2008) on Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security. The plan outlines steps towards the establishment of a system that will harness, co-ordinate and enhance existing Earth observation and monitoring information from satellites and Earth-based sensors, in order to support better decision-making for the environment and security. The aim of the initiative is to provide independent, cost-effective, and user-friendly services that can help to anticipate or address crises such as forest fires or floods, and lead to better management of issues ranging from the protection of the environment to combating illegal immigration.

GMES is the second space flagship for the EU after Galileo and will have an important place in the 7th Frame work programme for research. A conference “A Market for GMES in Europe and its Regions“ was organised by the Austrian Presidency, and took place in Graz on 19 and 20 April. The Presidency will report back to Ministers on the April conference.

Item source: MEMO/06/215 Date: 24/05/2006