THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN REGIONS IN THE EU SPACE POLICY

摘要

The European Space Policy carries the promise of substantial economic social benefits for the enlarged Union and its citizens and brings new qualities to its external relations, especially in regard to security, environment and development. On this basis, after 50 years of European achievements in space science and technologies, Europe is now moving towards space applications, which open new markets in the field of telecommunications, positioning systems and Earth observation. The Space Policy White Paper of 2003, as well as the future Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, states that space should become a shared competence between the Union and its Member States. Today, 'the critical point is to maintain expertise, to acquire new skills, to support technologies and infrastructures and to increase the use of space applications. In. this stage of European space policy construction, the involvement of the regional dimension can represent a fundamental gear in order to collect users' requirements. Despite the different areas of competence and the different functions granted to the regional entities, most European regional governments deal with a number of issues in areas linked to environment, emergency and security, agricultural and fishery management, air quality monitoring, integrated management of coastal areas as well the economic development and the promotion of innovation systems. In line with these reflections, the European regional authorities launched the idea of a permanent Conference of European Regions Using Space Technologies. This initiative is to be considered a new form of cooperation between European Regional governments representing the new players in outer space.