Space

Space Green Paper

2.3 Improving the security of citizens

The ESDP, which will gradually complete the process of European integration, aims to give the Union the ability to decide and act autonomously with a view to a global approach to crisis management, including conflict prevention, by means of various instruments, civil and/or military (cf. "Petersberg tasks").

It takes account of the far-reaching changes in the concept of security in recent years and the great potential for progress that could stem from its scientific, technological and industrial dimension. In addition, it is important that the services offered by space systems in normal times and crises are adequately protected.

Space systems are the main tool for collecting, transmitting and disseminating information at a global level and the only one which is physically non-intrusive, thanks to the capabilities provided by broadband communication systems and optical imaging, infrared or radar systems, the performance of which has made spectacular progress. A space component supporting a rapid capability for decision making will contribute to a credible and effective CSFP.

To a certain extent, the critical shortcomings of current crisis management are directly linked to a space technology capability, and this applies to all players -civilian and military- involved in crisis management, whether they act together or separately .

In Europe, space can play a unique role to the benefit of the convergence of various processes towards common goals. Strictly military capability effectively remains to a large extent within the remit of Member States, such that several different satellite programmes exist.

Moreover, there are many common features of civil and military space technologies, so that it is appropriate to combine resources in the most effective manner, having regard to improvements in the performance of commercial systems, budgetary constraints in Europe and the technological gap which has developed between the two sides of the Atlantic.

The STAR21 report recommends that the Union should develop a satellite-based defence and security capability on an entirely European basis. So far, a number of national general staffs have co-operated to produce a joint definition of "common operational needs for a global European satellite observation system for security and defence purposes (CON)", which could be extended to other partners.

This first step could be complemented by the GMES initiative in order to produce a European observation system in space, subsequently extended to information and reconnaissance. According to some estimates, acquiring a minimum common space capability would require annual investments of €800 million for 10 years or so.

Q8:How better to define and clarify, as part of a coherent whole (including framework and time-scale): the nature and scale of the space capacities required to achieve the political objectives of the PESC? Within what context the possible new space capability may be placed at the service of the security of citizens?

The goal is to ensure Member States discover added value.