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Paris, 12 June 2003
Press Release
Nx 39-2003

An added dimension for Europe in space (Paris, 24 June 2003)

WHO?
Philippe BUSQUIN, European Commissioner responsible for research and
space Antonio RODOTA, Director General, European Space Agency
Claudie HAIGNERÉ, Minister for research and new technologies, France
Letizia MORATTI, Minister for education, universities and
scientific/technological research, Italy
Edelgard BULMAHN, Minister for education and research, Germany 

WHAT?
Press Conference, to coincide with the Closing Conference on the
European Space Policy Green Paper consultation process.

WHEN?
Tuesday 24 June 2003 at 12h00 

WHERE?
Maison de la Chimie (room 201)
28 bis rue Saint Dominique
75007 Paris

The Green Paper on European Space Policy is a strategy document which
opens up a new era for Europe in space.  To foster debate on the
issues raised by the Green Paper, the European Commission and the
European Space Agency jointly arranged broad consultation across
Europe.  With six meetings scheduled in European capitals, workshops,
bilateral presentations and an on-line forum, this consultation has
already prompted several thousand contributions from a whole host of
interested parties. Institutional users, industrial managers,
researchers and scientists, NGOs and ordinary citizens in Member
States, applicant-member countries and other countries associated
with European space activities have thus had ample opportunity to
voice their opinions and help usher in a new era for Europe in space.
 
A Closing Conference will be held in Paris on 23/24 June to round off
the process.  This will serve to draw conclusions from the feed-back
received and define priority action and specific measures to boost
Europe's role in space and better harness the potential of space to
serve its citizens. The measures will be set out in a White Paper due
out in the autumn. 

The consultation has already clearly highlighted the need to better
integrate all the components - and all the players - involved.
Better integration is seen as vital in taking up the challenges of
the 21st Century and securing Europe's independence in an area of
strategic importance for its economic future and the well-being of
its citizens. 

The Closing Press Conference will feature Research Commissioner
Philippe Busquin, ESA Director General Antonio Rodotà and Ministers
from three countries of key importance to Europe's space research and
industry (France, Germany, Italy).

This is a rare opportunity to hear these European decision-makers and
question them on their vision for Europe's future space endeavours.


NOTE TO EDITORS

For further information on the Green Paper, the ongoing consultation
or the 23/24 June Closing Conference details:

http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/space


For further information on the 24 June Press Conference:

Patrick Vittet-Philippe 
Press and Information Officer, DG Recherche Commission Européenne
Tel: +32.2.2969056
Mobile: + 32 477 274663
Email: patrick.vittet-philippe{at}cec.eu.int

Donna Reay
Stratege et politique pour le transport durable, DG Recherche
Commission
Europeenne Tel + 32 2 299 3769
E-mail: donna.reay{at}cec.eu.int

Franco Bonacina
Porte Parole
Agence Spatiale Européenne
Tel + 33 1 5369 7713
E-mail: franco.bonacina{at}esa.int

Porte parole du Commissaire Busquin:
Fabio Fabbi
Tel +32 2 296.41.74
E-mail   Fabio.Fabbi{at}cec.eu.int


CONFIRMATION DE PARTICIPATION, IMPORTANT

Pour confirmer votre participation - la conference de cluture et/ou - la
conference de presse, veuillez renvoyer par e-mail ou par fax le
formulaire suivant -

Translation - SB ed.

To confirm your participation - the culture conference and/or - the
press conference, return, by e-mail or fax, the following form to:

Monique Septon, Unite Information et Communication
DG Recherche Commission Europeenne Fax + 32 2 295 8220
E-mail: Monique.septon{at}cec.eu.int 
 
CONFIRMATION DE PARTICIPATION
Conference de conclusion
Livre Vert sur la Politique spatiale
24 juin 2003

VEUILLEZ RENVOYER PAR E-MAIL 
(OU PAR FAX A + 32 2 295 8220)

(   )Oui, j'assisterai - la conférence de presse du 24 juin 2003

Nom ____________________________________________________

Publication___________________________________________

Carte de Presse No ________________________________________

(   )Non, je ne peux pas assister à la conférence de presse mais
souhaite recevoir le dossier de presse

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