Space policy for a sustainable economy : Council adopts conclusions
Space policy can play an important role in achieving a sustainable EU economy. The Council today adopted a set of conclusions acknowledging the important contribution of space activities to the development of skills, technologies and services needed to build a society that is capable of addressing global challenges in a changing world. These include climate change, ecosystem degradation, health crises, food security and migration.
The Council underlines that Earth science and European space data, services and technologies may contribute to the European Green Deal, enabling Europe to become a global leader in the transition to a sustainable world, solving societal challenges and preserving the functioning of natural ecosystems, for the benefit of future generations.
It invites the Commission to develop an in-depth analysis of the European New Space current landscape and future perspectives and its contribution to the EU economy, and underlines the importance of supporting member states with emerging space capabilities, as well as their industry and academia, in their active involvement to unlock the full potential of the EU space economy and strengthen its economic resilience.
In terms of skills development, the Council highlights the importance for member states, in cooperation with the private sector, universities and research organisations, as well as intergovernmental organisations, to increase efforts to develop skills and stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in order to foster an attractive work environment in the space sector.
Finally, member states and the Commission are invited to facilitate a more integrated approach on skills development across the value chains of the space sector, for example by fostering vocational training, online and continuous learning and by promoting joint degrees and training offers in higher education.
