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Space Programmes Find Support Under Growth Initiative
A comprehensive action plan aimed at kick-starting investment in networks and knowledge was presented by European Commission President Romano Prodi on 11 November 2003 in Brussels. The European Growth Initiative final report reinforces the Union's structural reform agenda and includes the 'Quick-start'programme of projects that are ready to begin in the immediate future. Among these are GALILEO, GMES and a new space launch facility in Kourou. "The European Growth Initiative is a much-needed catalyst for growth and competitiveness in an enlarged Union," said Prodi. "It is about taking advantage of synergies and co -ordination in order to raise Europe's economic potential." Joining Prodi were Energy and Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio and Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. "This initiative focuses on priority areas for European growth," said Busquin. "These include major space programmes � GALILEO, GMES and the upgrade of the Kourou space port."
The initiative The overall level of investment from now until 2010 amounts to about �62 billion. According to Prodi, this represents a realistic annual investment of about �10 billion, around 40% of which is expected to come from the private sector. "This translates into about �6 billion per year from the Union," said Prodi. "A small price to pay for getting the European economy moving."
Space components The GALILEO satellite navigation programme will contribute enormously to the establishment of cross-border rail connections, sea and inland waterways and road links. Meanwhile, GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) is expected to be fully operational by 2008 and will lead to a wide range of economically beneficial services. Finally, a new facility for launching Soyuz rockets from Kourou, French Guyana, will extend European space launch capabilities in terms of type of launch vehicle and size of payloads.
Confidence is key Related Links The Growth Initiative � final report GALILEO GMES SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express European Commission Adopts Space Action Plan Brussels - Nov 12, 2003 A policy paper on "Space: A New European Frontier for an Expanding Union" has been presented by the European Commission in Brussels today. Space technologies are set to play a key role in helping the Union achieve its main objectives: faster economic growth, job creation and industrial competitiveness, enlargement and cohesion, sustainable development and security and defence. The policy paper was developed in close co-operation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and calls for substantial additional spending on space.
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