Ms. Masson addresses the challenges of the European Space Agency and the importance of the universe for the EU
On 23 September 2009, Ms. Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL) in Leiden Law School and President of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) was the guest lecturer for the European seminar, presenting the topic of “European Space Agency and its place in the EU”.
As promised last week, this lecture continued the “Europeans in space” story and went on to most recent developments, challenges and achievements of Europe in space.
Ms. Masson chose to follow a historical perspective, starting from the founding of the European Space Agency (ESA), its first years and ending up to most recent issues. After analyzing the purpose of ESA and the means for its completion, Ms. Masson examined the differences between ESA and EU membership, and pointed out the opportunities for new forms of inter-state cooperation that space science presents. Furthermore, she elaborated on the institutional structure and competencies of ESA, its field of activity and, by giving concrete examples of existing programmes, engaged the public in a lively discussion.
Ms. Masson identified the crucial flash point as related to European space activities in the context of the general industrial policy of the EU - the conflict between fair return principle and free competition. A central point in the presentation was the outcome of the 2008 ESA Ministerial Conference, namely the recognition of space as valuable asset for Europe, the consensus on the future elaboration and implementation of a European Space Policy and the challenges that ESA faces.
Ms. Masson argued that there is a strong parallel between EU and ESA since they share the common goal of strengthening Europe and benefitting its citizens. By giving illustrative examples varying from everyday life to high science, she underlined the function of space as an enabling tool for security, climate change, growth and technology development. As for the policy aspect, she analyzed the gradual convergence process between ESA and EU as demonstrated by the numerous “Space Councils” and the European Space policy under construction. A few important open ended question addressed concerned the future of ESA – will it evolve into an EU agency?, what will be its statute under the Lisbon treaty?, will there be a codification of EU competencies concerning space?
A subject that encouraged lively discussion was the regular presence of Europeans in space and how and whether this will strengthen the feeling of a common European identity. Also, emphasis was put on the fact that space is becoming more and more crowded, raising the risks of collision and requiring common frameworks and international cooperation on various levels, such as space traffic regulations, used satellite disposal etc.
This week’s meeting completed the series of space-centered lectures of the European seminar and was followed by “space-borrel” which was an excellent occasion for informal interaction on space topics, and others besides – a thoroughly spaced-out evening in fact.