− I supported this resolution on ‘how to bring space down to earth’ (B6-0582/2008) as I believe we should support a European space policy.

On the basis of an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) decision designating radio frequency bands in the 2GHz region (1980 -2010 MHz earth to space and 2170-2200MHz space to earth) for use by systems providing mobile satellite services (MSS), the European Commission adopted in February 2007 a Decision that Member States should make these frequency bands available for a harmonised approach to MSS.

3a. The Commission shall review the compatibility with Community competition law of and, if necessary, take appropriate enforcement measures concerning any proposed merger of applicants or any proposed takeover of an applicant by another where this would result in the allocation of more than 15MHz for Earth to space and 15MHz for space to Earth to the proposed combined operator.

Its priorities will accordingly lie in securing a guaranteed and competitive access to space through a family of launchers; in pursuing excellence in science of space (the mandatory Science Programme), from space (Earth science through the Earth Observation Envelope Programme) and in space (Life and Physical Sciences on the ISS); in exploiting its know-how in the robotic and human exploration of the planetary system; and in developing technologies to maintain a competitive space industry equipped to meet Europe’s future space system needs.

In order to support initiatives both on a national level and on the level of functional airspace blocks, the air traffic management network functions will allow optimum use of airspace and ensure that airspace users can operate preferred trajectories, while permitting maximum access to airspace and air navigation services.

1. The air traffic management (ATM) network functions shall allow optimum use of airspace and ensure that airspace users can operate preferred trajectories, while allowing maximum access to airspace and air navigation services.