Constructing The European Space Policy

Abstract

This chapter examines the development and progress of European space policy from its beginnings over a decade ago up to today’s perspectives for a European space policy. By outlining the institutional structures and responsibilities between the differing communities of the EU and ESA, it demonstrates the financial parameters behind the European space programmes and highlights accompanying structural difficulties between the institutions. Current European space efforts and the solutions adopted for cooperation are then highlighted within the background of the structures developing in the EU on security issues for Europe. The paper concludes with a prognosis and summary of Europe’s efforts to create a strong European space policy.