Space (Extract from: Preparation of the Competitiveness Council, November 26)

Brussels, 25 November 2003

The Council will discuss the White Paper on "Space: A New European Frontier for an Expanding Union" presented by the European Commission on November 11. The policy paper was developed in close co-operation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and calls for substantial additional spending on space. It also recommends action to ensure Europe's independent access to space, to enhance space technology, promote space exploration, attract more young people into careers in science and strengthen European excellence in space science.

European Space Policy will be implemented through a new multi-annual European Space Programme. It will identify priorities, on a five-year basis, for research, infrastructure development, services and technology. Applications might include satellite broadband telecommunications to tackle the "digital divide", and earth observation, communication and positioning systems.

DN: MEMO/03/240 Date: 25/11/2003