Ibadan. 14 October 2022.- After the landslide adoption of the position on the Secure Connectivity Programme in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), the Rapporteur Grudler (Renew) and Shadow Rapporteurs Salini (EPP), Hristov (S&D), Nienab (Greens/EFA) and Tosenovsky (ECR) are now ready for a swift negotiation regarding this new Programme.
“Satellite technologies are key to ensuring the EU’s strategic autonomy. The Russian attack on Ukraine reminded us of this in a very clear way.” The Committee noted that by adopting the position on the new European ‘Secure Connectivity’ satellites, they are sending a strong message: “The European Parliament fully supports the development of new EU capacities in satellite telecommunications, as well as other key services for our EU space policy.”
On the one hand, these new satellites will be useful for Government bodies and EU agencies, from firefighters to EU delegations worldwide. On the other hand, this program shall provide European citizens enhanced access to quality and affordable internet, whether in Europe or globally.
The Committee members are convinced that the whole European space ecosystem should be involved, with particular attention paid to SMEs and start-ups. Furthermore, the members also insist on the sustainability of these new satellites. “Secure Connectivity needs to be an example of space and environmental sustainability. This program shall set new standards for satellite constellations concerning space debris, light pollution, and carbon footprints.”
Less than seven months after its introduction by the European Commission, the European Parliament is now ready to negotiate with the Council for an ambitious program that will reinforce the European strategic autonomy. If the ITRE Committee mandate for inter-institutional negotiations remains unchallenged, the European Parliament position will be considered as formally adopted next week during the plenary session in Strasbourg.
