C-SPACE · Conditions for Space Policy and related Action Plan Consolidation in Europe

In Europe there is a growing interest to reinforce space policy. While the financial crisis is threatening the development of European economies, a stronger European Union is needed to maintain strategic public policies and to supply MS defaulting capabilities. Space Policy is clearly on the top of such an agenda because it involves a multi-layer constituency. Space Policy presents a unique political value. It is also clear that some of the new priorities within the European Space Policy, such as the contribution of Space to the climate change or the exploration of space will take place in a global endeavour and will imply the need for Europe to develop a long-term planning in the context of an enhanced dialog with international partners. The development and implementation of a European Space Policy can be strengthened through a multi level policy study. The objectives of this study will be to define a comprehensive approach towards milestones for Space in Europe. A double framework will be adopted: _analysis of the drivers for change about space in Europe (multi level policies studies), meaning a deepening of scenarios for space key sectors. _building up a comprehensive Space policy vision. Based on a comprehensive analysis of ongoing space trends in Europe (Drivers) the study will propose a high level set of concepts to be developed within ongoing European integration, and able to foster a growing identity for space in Europe. The proposed study will follow a 3-step logic leading to findings and recommendations for possible milestones for the European in the next years : - Assessment of current orientations and possible horizons for European Space policy - Assessment of resources and opportunities to be used for implementing the European Space Policy - Concluding part: Ways forward for the European Space policy