Press release | Space can make a difference for European citizens

7 June 2023, Brussels – Frederic Nordlund, Head of the External Relations Department at the European Space Agency (ESA), called for improvement in the space industry’s relationship with citizens at yesterday’s Making Space Matter Summit, hosted by think tank Friends of Europe in Brussels.

“We need to work effectively with EUSPA [European Union Agency for the Space Programme], effectively with the European Commission to deliver the best data and services possible to serve the citizens. And ESA has come a long way to learn that because [in the past] we were focused on a series of programmes […] but today, through this partnership with the European Union, all institutions, we have learned a lot about how can we deliver something that makes a difference to the European citizens. We have to really improve and definitely improve fast on this because [citizens have] short-term concerns: what will happen in summer to me? What are the consequences of the heat wave? What can ESA do for me to make a difference on this?”

The second annual summit of the Making Space Matter initiative placed focus on a range of urgent matters, from geopolitics, big data and innovation, to governance and cooperation. This year is pivotal for space matters as citizens prepare to cast their votes in the 2024 European elections. As such, space matters should be a priority and more prominent in public policy and budget. Solidifying Europe’s presence in the solar system and further developing space-enabled technologies will require finding solutions to complex scientific and political obstacles.

The summit highlighted the need for space to be put at the centre of the political interest, moving from a “nice-to-have” approach to a “saving-lives” must, as stated by Roya Ayazi, Secretary General of Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies (NEREUS).

When asked about her wish for space ahead of the European election year, Ayazi added: “Having a really good campaign showing what we have accomplished in space in Europe and how that addresses challenges in the security and climate change contexts, bringing that closer to the citizens, so that they realise that we are very privileged living in a politically stable continent.”

In that same line, Pauline Warnotte, Senior Legal Advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation to the EU, NATO and the Kingdom of Belgium, outline the benefits of satellite imaginary in the humanitarian field, calling on states to extend their commitment to humanitarian law into space. As the owners of the international framework in space, “states have the responsibility to apply the international law. And you know what’s the beauty of international humanitarian law? That it is universally recognised.

“The Geneva Conventions have been ratified by all the states in the world. And they have said, in those conventions, that they will not only respect the international humanitarian law but also ensure respect for international humanitarian law. And that law not only applies to conflict, but also to those situations that are creating huge risks for humans, of course, but also for the assets that are enabling the life of humans. So, according to those principles, there should be at least a reflection and then implementation about how to protect those assets […] to protect humans from physical hurt.”

Placing citizens at the heart of the day’s discussions, the summit reinforced the timely and crucial importance of Friends of Europe’s ambition to design a Renewed Social Contract for Europe that radically rethinks the process by which citizens, the private sector, civil society and public institutions interact.

For more information

A recording of the summit is available here. Pictures from the event are available here. For more information or to request an interview, please contact us at CommunicationsTeam@friendsofeurope.org.

About

Friends of Europe is an independent think tank with a difference. We connect people, stimulate debate and trigger change to create a more inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking Europe.

The Making Space Matter initiative provides opportunities for policymakers, the private sector, civil society representatives and citizens to engage in critical enquiry and thought-provoking debate on how to best respond to the opportunity space represents. We aim to craft policy ideas and recommendations that proactively safeguard Europeans whilst reaping the benefits of this vast resource – truly making space matter.

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