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2. ACTIVITIES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN EARTH
OBSERVATION
The ESA Council and the EU Council of Research Ministers both
adopted a joint resolution in early 1998 which called for continued cooperation between the two bodies in the space domain, and looked forward
to the agreement of an action plan in the field of Earth Observation.
The convergence of thinking in Europe was confirmed in May 1998, on
the occasion of the JRC Annual Users Seminar in Baveno, Italy.
Representatives of key European organizations (ESA, EUMETSAT, CNES,
DLR, BNSC, EARSC, EC) recognized the impetus that could be given to the
EO industry by new demands from public policy, particularly linked to
environmental security.
The Commission must now carry forward the ideas set out in earlier
policy documents. The strategic goal itself flows from the earlier work: to
establish a sustainable European capability in the provision of key
operational services for monitoring the Earth from space, in response to
user-demand.
A service is sustainable when the full economic cost is met by those
demanding it, and when it is reasonable to suppose that such demand
will continue, or increase, in the foreseeable future.
A European capability in EO ensures a measure of independence and
helps bring about the double prize of user benefit and industrial growth.
The key operational services will be lead to improvements in our
understanding of the Earth system, more effective conservation of our
natural heritage, enhanced management of resources, and mitigation of
major hazards.
Within the broad European effort, the Commission’s competence
complements those of its partners. It bases its actions on four aspects of its
mandate:
as a manager of European-level RTD programs;
as a user, and as the initiator of policies that entail the use of EO;
as a proposer of policies bearing upon the political, economic and
regulatory framework within which the EO sector operates (including a
commitment to boost the competitiveness of European industry);
as a Community institution representing the EU in certain international
forums.
Given the above, the Commission can pursue the strategic goal over the
coming five years by taking steps in line with four specific objectives.
OBJECTIVE 1: Expand the effective use of EO in the implementation of
EU policies
There is untapped potential for operational EO in the context of many EU
policies. The use of EO by the Directorate Generals (DGs) of the
Commission, whilst always likely to be limited, will continue to provide
2. ACTIVITIES OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN EARTH
OBSERVATION
The ESA Council and the EU Council of Research Ministers both
adopted a joint resolution in early 1998 which called for continued cooperation between the two bodies in the space domain, and looked forward
to the agreement of an action plan in the field of Earth Observation.
The convergence of thinking in Europe was confirmed in May 1998, on
the occasion of the JRC Annual Users Seminar in Baveno, Italy.
Representatives of key European organizations (ESA, EUMETSAT, CNES,
DLR, BNSC, EARSC, EC) recognized the impetus that could be given to the
EO industry by new demands from public policy, particularly linked to
environmental security.
The Commission must now carry forward the ideas set out in earlier
policy documents. The strategic goal itself flows from the earlier work: to
establish a sustainable European capability in the provision of key
operational services for monitoring the Earth from space, in response to
user-demand.
A service is sustainable when the full economic cost is met by those
demanding it, and when it is reasonable to suppose that such demand
will continue, or increase, in the foreseeable future.
A European capability in EO ensures a measure of independence and
helps bring about the double prize of user benefit and industrial growth.
The key operational services will be lead to improvements in our
understanding of the Earth system, more effective conservation of our
natural heritage, enhanced management of resources, and mitigation of
major hazards.
Within the broad European effort, the Commission’s competence
complements those of its partners. It bases its actions on four aspects of its
mandate:
as a manager of European-level RTD programs;
as a user, and as the initiator of policies that entail the use of EO;
as a proposer of policies bearing upon the political, economic and
regulatory framework within which the EO sector operates (including a
commitment to boost the competitiveness of European industry);
as a Community institution representing the EU in certain international
forums.
Given the above, the Commission can pursue the strategic goal over the
coming five years by taking steps in line with four specific objectives.
OBJECTIVE 1: Expand the effective use of EO in the implementation of
EU policies
There is untapped potential for operational EO in the context of many EU
policies. The use of EO by the Directorate Generals (DGs) of the
Commission, whilst always likely to be limited, will continue to provide