On 21 January 2003, European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin presented the Green Paper on EU Space Policy. This key document, prepared in co-operation with the European Space Agency (ESA), tackles key issues ranging from the EU's independent access to space to international co-operation to the environment and security. With its publication, the Commission launched a consultation process among all stakeholders, including national and international organisations, the European space industry, the scientific community and the general public.

The consultation ran from 22 January to 30 May 2003 and included a series of seminars, workshops and hearings organised by the EU/ESA Joint Task Force. A dedicated Web Forum was also set up, allowing contributions to be made on-line. Based on the results of the consultation, a White Paper on the Future of Europe in Space is now being prepared and will be presented before the end of the year.

The Joint Task Force was created to implement and carry out the European strategy for space, as endorsed by the European research council and the ESA council in 2001. Part of the Joint Task Force’s activities comprised the preparation of a summary report on the Green Paper consultation process. For the full text of the report, see the link below.

For more information:

Philippe Busquin
European Space Policy Green Paper
Full text of Report