2. Placing Space more at the service of Europe and its citizens Space technologies increasingly can offer opportunities of multiple use, making it possible to develop solutions responding to the various needs of European citizens. Nevertheless, it should be more in line with user expectations in terms of cost, adaptation to actual requirements and continuity of services on offer. In addition to the very widespread use of telecommunication satellites for the exchange of information (telephony, television and digital data transmission), Europe has in recent years developed a number of applications showing the contribution of space infrastructures which have in most cases provided the basis for services of general interest, to citizens.
Added Value for the Union More generally, a strong European presence in particular key areas of space applications is indispensable both as a political asset and in order to enable the Union to maintain its strategic independence and contribute to its economic competitiveness. The decision to launch the Galileo programme shows the European will to acquire a proper share in the emerging market in navigation and positioning services. In this respect, new space technologies offer equally a considerable potential to increase international co-operation and access to new markets (in particular Asia and South America). This broader orientation towards the Union's citizens and general interests makes it possible to open up the field to players other than those of the traditional space industry: service providers, content providers, private and public users. De facto, it considerably enhances the potential of the space sector. In view of the above, greater priority ought to be given to the process of transferring technologies from the research sector to the commercial sector e.g. by encouraging private investment through long?term commitments by the public authorities with regard to their requirements. It is equally essential to give preference to research actions aimed at industrial applications and value added services which go beyond the strict context of space. In this way, the impact of user demand on the provision and the structure of the proposed space segment will be increased. The Union could play a determinant role in the structure and progressive consolidation of this demand, notably the public demand. In the decades ahead, Europe will have to face major new challenges and large-scale requirements. Three main themes, which have received the attention of European Summits, may serve to illustrate the potential contribution of the space sector:
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