Space programme 2021–2027 and European Union Agency for the Space Programme
The European Parliament adopted by 560 votes to 63, with 32 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the space programme of the Union and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and repealing Regulations (EU) No 912/2010, (EU) No 1285/2013, (EU) No 377/2014 and Decision 541/2014/EU.
The European Parliament's position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure amended the Commission's proposal.
General objectives
The Union's space programme for the period 2021-2027 would merge the existing Galileo (European satellite positioning system) EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) and Copernicus (European Earth Monitoring Programme) programmes into a single programme, adding two new initiatives, namely support for space surveillance and tracking of space objects and debris (SST) and Govatscom, the government satellite telecommunications initiative.
The Programme shall:
- provide, or contribute to the provision of, high-quality and up-to-date and, where appropriate, secure space-related data, information and services without interruption and wherever possible at global level;
- maximise the socio-economic benefits, in particular by fostering the development of an innovative and competitive European upstream and downstream sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, thereby enabling growth and job creation in the Union;
- enhance safety, the security of the Union and its Member States, and reinforce its autonomy, in particular in terms of technologies;
- promote the role of the Union global actor in the space sector, encourage international cooperation, reinforce European space diplomacy, including by fostering the principles of reciprocity and fair competition and strengthen its role in tackling global challenges, supporting global initiatives, including with regards to sustainable development, and raising awareness of space as a common heritage of humankind;
- enhance safety, security and sustainability of all outer space activities pertaining to space objects and debris proliferation.
Autonomous access to the space
In order to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market, the amended text underlined the importance for the Union to continue to have access to modern, efficient and flexible launch infrastructures and appropriate launch systems.
Therefore, without prejudice to the measures taken by Member States and the European Space Agency, the Programme may support adaptations of the ground-based space infrastructure, including new developments, which are necessary for the implementation of the Programme, as well as adaptations, including technology development, to space launch systems necessary for satellite launch, including alternative technologies and innovative systems, for the implementation of the Programme’s components.
Budget
Parliament proposed that the financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021-2027 be set at EUR 16.9 billion in current prices. This shall be broken down as such:
- Galileo and EGNOS: EUR 9.7 billion;
- Copernicus: EUR 6 billion;
- SSA/GOVSATCOM: EUR 1.2 billion.
European Agency
It is proposed to change the name of the current European Agency for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and to give it more tasks and resources. The Agency's mission would be to contribute to the programme, in particular with regard to security accreditation and market development and downstream applications. Some tasks related to these areas would therefore be entrusted to the Agency.
The Agency's headquarters would be located in Prague (Czech Republic). Depending on the needs of the programme, the Agency may establish local offices.
Role of the Commission
The Commission shall have overall responsibility for the implementation of the Programme, including in the field of security, without prejudice to Member States' prerogatives in the area of national security.
It shall ensure a clear division of tasks and responsibilities between the various entities involved in the Programme and coordinate the activities of those entities. It shall also ensure that all the entrusted entities involved in the implementation of the programme protect the interest of the Union, guarantee the sound management of the Union's funds and comply with the Financial Regulation and this Regulation.
The Commission, shall conclude with the Agency the European Space Agency, a Financial Framework Partnership Agreement.
Where appropriate, the Commission shall ensure the coherence of activities performed in the context of the Programme with activities carried out in the field of space at Union, national or international level.