Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament – Establishing appropriate relations between the EU and the European Space Agency

Over the last decade, the European Union has become a major player in space. EGNOS and Galileo, GMES and Space research under the 7th Framework Programme have become major landmarks in the European space landscape. The Commission's space-related proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework imply a further increase in the European Union's involvement in space.

ESA is a world-class organisation which deserves credit for the successes that Europe has achieved over the last four decades. Thanks to the activities conducted by ESA and Member States through their national space programmes, Europe now has a strong technological and industrial base and is recognised as a reliable partner in international programmes.

However, the emergence of space as an EU policy, the growing importance of EU space programmes and the European Union's reliance on ESA's technical expertise have not yet translated into an evolution of the governance of space matters at European level. This communication outlines possible short and long term avenues for EU relations with ESA with a view to continuing an efficient cooperation. Further proposals will have to be substantiated by a solid cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment.

EUR-Lex: COM(2012)671: Follow the progress of this document through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2012:671:FIN

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