Space Green Paper – Athens meeting to address European security and defence

The Greek Presidency will host the next Space Green Paper consultation event, set to take place in Athens on 8 and 9 May 2003. The event will feature presentations by Greek Minister of Defence Yiannos Papantoniou and European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. Panel sessions will address critical space- and defence-related issues such as current technological requirements, capabilities, and shortfalls, as well as institutional aspects. Also featured will be speakers from the European Space Agency, national space agencies and the defence and space industries. A provisional agenda is now available. See also the Greek Ministry of Defence website.

The Green Paper process comprises a series of seminars, workshops and hearings currently taking place throughout Europe. Its aim is to foster a wide-ranging debate among national and international organisations, the European space industry, the scientific community and the general public. An exchange that includes all of the relevant stakeholders will help to shape a comprehensive EU Space Policy, to be detailed in a White Paper later this year.

Individual contributions to the discussion can be posted via the dedicated On-line Forum.

For more information on the consultation process and how to participate in the events, contact: space.policy@cec.eu.int.