Activities of the European Commission in Earth Observation

Abstract

The European Earth Observation (EO) sector has reached a pivotal stage. Over the past two decades, Europe has developed an outstanding technological base for EO through both the co-operative programs of Member States in ESA, and through the various national space programs. EUMETSAT successfully operates weather satellites for European meteorological services and contributes to related activities worldwide. The European Commission has made a substantial effort in stimulating EO applications through its Research and Technology Development (RTD) programs, including the major contribution of the Center for Earth Observation. As a result of these and other initiatives, European industry and research bodies have developed and demonstrated a wide range of EO applications. EO is increasingly seen as a useful and sometimes essential component of the technological infrastructure of the Information Society’. Synergies with other space technologies such as telecommunications and navigation can only enhance this role.

The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and they should not be regarded as an official position of the Commission.