After establishing a national space agency and with a major space summit to be held in November 2023 is already a significant year for Spain in relation to space activities. This is further emphasized as Spain assumes the next 6-month rotating EU presidency. What does this mean for Spain’s “space” ambitions, and in particular how can these actions help support the EU EO industry?
For the fifth time, Spain will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Starting on 1st July 2023, Spain will work on 4 main priorities – «Reindustralising the EU», «making progress on ecological transition», «social and economic justice» and «strengthening European unity»- during the second half of 2023. As stated by the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, on the 15th of June, these priorities reflect the «main concerns and demands of our fellow citizens».
With the creation of the Spanish Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Española, AEE) on March 7th, 2023[1] providing new governance and bringing new opportunities, Spain has an ideal setting to put space among the key priorities of its Presidency. Based in Sevilla, the Agency will coordinate all space activities and elaborate a national space strategy whilst promoting the necessary industrial capabilities and infrastructures.
In order to achieve its spatial ambitions and involve all the relevant stakeholders, the Spanish Presidency will organise different events. Spain will hold a summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Brussels in mid-July. This meeting emphasizes the importance for EU leaders to strengthen the relationship with Latin America, particularly considering the current geopolitical context.
The Space Summit to be held in Sevilla from 6th to 10th November will also provide an excellent framework to foster interactions between space actors and offer opportunities for businesses.
Thierry Breton announced that 2023 is a « critical year » to deliver on space ambitions. With its willingness to work together with the industry to identify opportunities and support the sector’s growth, the Spanish Presidency will contribute to achieving the EU space objectives.
Join us online for our last EOcafe before summer!
Elisa Rivera, Chief of Cabinet, Secretary General of Innovation at the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation will discuss this with our host Geoff Sawyer, EARSC Strategic Advisor and former Secretary General.
Topics which could be addressed during this EOcafe include the following:
- What are the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU?
- Which are Spain’s space ambitions?
- How will they support the industry during the 6 months presidency?
- What will be the Spanish Presidency’s priorities for the Green Deal policies?
- Which events will they host?
Registration: The webinar is open to all. Registration is free but compulsory.
Please note this is a virtual event!
EOcafe is part of a series of EARSC meetings that offer timely, relevant, and practical information on a broad variety of topics related to the EO sector. Join us every two weeks to discuss and network while enjoying a cup of coffee with friends.
IMPORTANT NOTES!!!
- The use of a video camera is not mandatory but is encouraged to facilitate better interaction between the attendees and the guest speaker(s).
- The EOcafe will stay open after 17:00 in case our guests want to continue the discussion.
- By registering for this event, you accept the terms and conditions (https://earsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/EARSC_Events_GDPR.pdf).
If you have any questions, and/or you want to know more about the EOcafe, and/or you want to share an idea about a future EOcafe, please contact Natassa (natassa.antoniou@earsc.org).
[1] AEE Charter approved by the Council of Ministers.
