Deal for a strong and united Europe in space

“Europe needs a strong space policy to promote European-developed navigation systems, earth observation and strategic economic sectors for technological innovation. The European Union can and will play a leading role in space to face the growing challenge posed by the other global powers, most notably the United States and China”, said Massimiliano Salini MEP, the European Parliament’s Spokesman, after the successful conclusion of negotiations (trilogue) with the Member States on the Space Programme for 2021 to 2027.

“In times of easy and superficial anti-European slogans, this agreement on the Space Programme shows that European cooperation gives us enormous potential to support our high tech industry and research for the benefit of all EU citizens.”

As it is, Europe is the second space power in the world, which is documented by impressive numbers: the space sector employs more than 230,000 people and it creates up to €62 billion in value. In addition, a third of the world’s satellites are made in Europe.

Activities in space have concrete value on earth. Salini continued: “The satellite systems for the Copernicus Earth observation programme and Galileo are good examples of the benefits. The data produced by satellite services is vital for the development of drones, navigation software, autonomous driving and CO2 emissions monitoring. The European Union can and must challenge American and Chinese industries in these fields.”

“I’m happy that the Space Programme was approved by the European Parliament by a very large majority. As Rapporteur, I’ve worked to support the excellence and competitiveness of our space industry, sustaining its ability to create highly qualified employment and stimulate support for research”, Massimiliano Salini concluded.

The negotiated deal does not include a budget - this will be decided in the overall negotiations on the European Union long-term budget for 2021-2027. The EPP Group supports a major injection of €16.9 billion.