The top priority for EU space policy is the speedy...

The top priority for EU space policy is the speedy launch of satellite navigation system Galileo and the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security program, government competitiveness ministers said Tuesday. They reaffirmed their “strong commitment” to Galileo and GMES because of the substantial economic and social benefits user-driven applications promise for Europe and its citizens. Both programs should continue to be funded under the EU budget, they said. Considering the vulnerability of space systems and the potential for their misuse, the European Commission and EU members should put in place adequate security measures specific to the satellite programs, the ministers said. They called for an effective space situation awareness capability to boost the safety of European space assets and future launches from space debris and weather phenomena. Officials also asked the EC to keep in mind the important role communications satellites play in fulfilling the digital agenda, and consider making sufficient spectrum available for European space systems, including the communications satellites. They also urged the EC to strengthen its “space dialogues” with the U.S. and Russia and explore similar talks with existing and emerging space powers such as China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, India and South Africa.