The aim of this conference was to facilitate a structured dialogue amongst all actors involved in Security-related Space matters embedded in two main space programmes: GMES and ESA’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Preparatory Programme. The contribution of these two programmes to the Europe’s future by helping guarantee the availability of economically vital services delivered from space was highlighted at the conference.
As regards GMES, building upon the status of prior discussions in EU Institutions, the conference contributed to move forward on key issues, namely those about national dual missions relevant to GMES and GMES Security Service.
The Madrid event was part of the continuing ‘Structured Dialogue’ on space and security called for by the European Space Policy. This Dialogue is bringing together the relevant European Commission services, the Secretariat-General of the Council including the European Satellite Centre (EUSC), EDA as well as ESA, and is an increasingly effective instrument for exploiting inter-institutional synergies.