Towards safe and sustainable use of space and a vision for Copernicus: the Council adopts conclusion

Today EU ministers responsible for space adopted two sets of conclusions: on Copernicus by 2035 and on an EU approach to space traffic management.

These conclusions provide political guidance for the future of the EU’s Copernicus programme and strengthen the EU’s common position on space traffic management.

Copernicus by 2035

Copernicus is the EU’s Earth observation programme, which offers information services that draw on satellite Earth observation and non-space data. The information is helpful to service providers, public authorities, and other international organisations in improving European citizens’ quality of life. Data gathered from the Copernicus programme has proven to be of help in several areas, including emergency response, global food security, combating climate change, border control and national security.

The Council conclusions on Copernicus by 2035 help prepare the future of the Copernicus space programme. They set out a vision for 2035 and political guidance for the Copernicus programme based on three key pillars: the Green Deal, the digital transition, and security, together contributing to a more resilient Europe. The conclusions take into account user needs, new environmental challenges and the state of the art of research. They also maximise the inclusion of new digital technologies in the programme.