Synopsis
The report titled “EU space policy and the involvement of civil society” is a comprehensive study report by the European Economic and Social Committee. It does not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Committee but aims to provide insights and policy recommendations regarding the involvement of civil society in EU space policy.
Key points from the report include:
- Background and Rationale: Following the Treaty on European Union in 2009, space became a shared competence between the EU and Member States. The EU’s Space Programme has evolved significantly, including developments in Earth observation, navigation systems, and space surveillance.
- Role of Space in the Economy: Space infrastructure, including satellites, underpins critical sectors like energy, transport, banking, security, and defense. The average citizen uses satellite services around 40 times a day, impacting growth and innovation. However, there is a lack of awareness among EU citizens and institutions about the benefits of the EU Space Programme.
- Involvement of Civil Society: The study aims to understand the space-civil society nexus and how civil society is involved in EU space policy-making. Civil society’s role has been overlooked in EU space policy-making and engagement activities.
- Study’s Aim: The report intends to provide policy recommendations for civil society’s involvement in EU space policy. It covers European space governance, the socio-economic benefits of space for civil society, and the ways civil society can be involved in the EU Space Programme.
- Definition of Civil Society: Civil society includes a wide range of non-state, not-for-profit, non-partisan, and non-violent organizations pursuing shared objectives. This broad category includes groups representing various interests like employers, workers, consumers, families, and people with disabilities.
- European Space Governance: The report examines the European Commission, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and the European Space Agency (ESA). Each plays a significant role in developing and implementing space policies and programmes.
- ESA’s Governance and Role: ESA, established in 1975, focuses on peaceful cooperation among European states in space research, technology, and applications. Its Council, comprising member state representatives, sets the policy guidelines for ESA’s space programme.
- Interorganisational Cooperation: Article 189(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) recognizes and strengthens ESA’s role, encouraging the EU to establish appropriate relations with ESA for developing and implementing the EU Space Programme.
- Other EU Bodies’ Roles: The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament are co-legislators for EU space engagement, while the European External Action Service (EEAS) manages the foreign and security policy aspects of EU space activitie.
- Role of the EESC: Established in 1958, the EESC acts in an advisory capacity to the European Parliament, Council, and Commission. It contributes to the EU’s democratic legitimacy by allowing civil society organizations to express their opinions at the European level.
Overall, the report emphasizes the significant yet underrecognized role of civil society in EU space policy and aims to bridge this gap through comprehensive policy recommendations.
