Earth observation satellite data for commercial purposes: Initial Appraisal of a European Commission Impact Assessment

This note seeks to provide an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Commission’s Impact Assessment (IA) accompanying the Commission proposal for a Directive on the dissemination of Earth observation satellite data for commercial purposes.

Overall, the impression is that the IA has made a genuine attempt to present what it perceives to be the problems which need addressing and to define the objectives of the initiative and the progress indicators accordingly. The outcome of the first stakeholder consultation, even if rather limited, is clearly presented and appears to have been integrated into the analysis, with a transparent presentation of the stakeholders’ views throughout.

Nevertheless, the IA has a number of shortcomings and is, at best, incomplete.

It remains to be seen to what extent the supplementary impact assessment work requested by Council responds to the concerns that have been expressed and help to complete some of the weaker areas identified.

This note, prepared for the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) of the European Parliament.

Briefing written by Alina-Alexandra Georgescu.

Blog: EP: EPRS, 16.02.15: Earth observation satellite data for commercial purposes: Initial Appraisal of a European Commission Impact Assessment http://epthinktank.eu/2015/02/16/earth-observation-satellite-data-for-commercial-purposes-initial-appraisal-of-a-european-commission-impact-assessment/

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the dissemination of Earth observation satellite data for commercial purposes http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-directive-of-the-european-parliament-and-of-the-council-on-the-dissemination-of-earth-observation-satellite-data-for-commercial-purposes/

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