Space Policy and the European Security and Defence Policy

In-Depth Analysis 03-04-2008

On 14 February 2008 the Policy Department in DG EXPO organised a Workshop on behalf of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE). The large participation and interest from within and outside the European Parliament confirmed the usefulness of the Workshop format and event. The Workshop provided an occasion to focus upon a report being developed by the SEDE Chairman Karl von Wogau on ESDP and Space Policy. The substance of the Workshop followed the central themes of the SEDE report and provided an opportunity for the Rapporteur and key Members of the European Parliament to exchange views on technological and policy developments in the European space sector and the relevance and impact on European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The first part of the workshop focussed upon strategic context and the use of satellites for security purposes. The second part of the workshop focussed more on the European economic and defence industrial framework for developing space assets and in particular on the question of the "Cost of Non-Europe in the field of satellite-based systems". This also provided the occasion for the author of a study commissioned by SEDE to present the key findings. This Workshop Summary provides an overview on the issues raised during the Workshop. It is not intended as a verbatim reproduction of the event. The summary and programme is used as a means to disseminate the Workshop presentations which should be useful to those interested in the details of the presentations as well as those who were unable to attend.