ESA en EIB lanceren initiatief voor ruimte voor het Middellandse Zee-gebied (en)
ESA i Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and EIB i Vice President Philippe de Fontaine Vive Curtaz, signed today an agreement called ‘Space for Mediterranean Initiative” (abbr. “Space for Med”). The two organisations will work together so that satellite-based services can bridge the digital divide and bring economic growth to the Mediterranean region
The EIB assists the economic and social development of partner countries in the South and East Mediterranean. EIB has invested EUR 13bn through its operations in this region since 2002, supported 2,300 SMEs, which created 30,000 jobs, mobilised roughly EUR 35bn of additional capital together with international financing institutions, bilateral agencies and the private sector in order to advance the integration of the region; and granted more than EUR 102m for technical assistance operations to build knowledge and capacity. This initiative received the support of the FEMIP Trust Fund, established in 2004, whose main objective is to support private sector development in the Mediterranean partner countries.
On ESA’s side, the Integrated Applications Promotion (IAP) Programme has created a network of Ambassador Platforms (APs) who promote space applications to a broad range of new domains. They bring space solutions to user communities who are not aware of the benefits that space technologies can bring to them. Together, they develop new operational and economically sustainable services. Ambassador Platforms exist for areas like eHealth (with Norway), enhanced mobility (United Kingdom), renewable energy (Spain), water management (Netherlands) and many others.
To support the Space for Med initiative ESA and LuxInnovation, the Luxembourg National Agency for Innovation and Research, have created a new Ambassador Platform, located at the European Investment Bank. Under the direction of Dr Mathias Link, it will focus on how space can improve key infrastructure areas in the Mediterranean regions, particularly for water management, energy, transportation and logistics. The objective is to develop projects in partnership, ensuring that the services proposed are sustainable in an operational scenario.
“I am convinced that an increased dialogue and coordination between ESA and EIB is of mutual interest. It will open new dimensions and expand the use of existing space assets and technologies, for the benefit of citizens and society.” said Mr. Dordain.
“We hope that this first step will lead to more and better projects for the Mediterranean region, to show Europe’s lead in complex technologies and support SMEs in this sector; EIB and ESA will work together for the greater good, including to improve the efficiency of major infrastructure investments, reduce pollution and work toward a safer Mediterranean sea. This why I call on other countries to join this initiative” said Mr. de Fontaine Vive Curtaz. “
Background information:
About the European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space.
ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
ESA has 19 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, of whom 17 are Member States of the EU. ESA has Cooperation Agreements with nine other Member States of the EU and is negotiating an Agreement with the one remaining (Bulgaria). Poland is in the process of becoming ESA's 20th Member State. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.
ESA develops the launchers, spacecraft and ground facilities needed to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities. Today it launches satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications and astronomy, sends probes to the far reaches of the Solar System and cooperates in the human exploration of space.
About the European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
The EIB, through its facility for partnership with Mediterranean countries, FEMIP, has undertaken since 2002 to support in very tangible terms its partners economic and social development, in order to improve the living conditions of their citizens- an undertaking that has constantly been reaffirmed over the years, resulting in an overall investment of more than EUR 13bn. This resulted in support for projects in the key sectors of industry, energy, transport and water, to which EIB added value through its advice and technical and financial expertise, allied to the stepping-up of its bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Press contact:
EIB: Anne-Cécile Auguin, +352 621 36 19 48, a.auguin@eib.org
Website: www.eib.org/press - Press office: +352 4379 21000 - press@eib.org
ESA Media Relations Office, Communication Department, Tel: +33 1 53 69 72 99, Fax: +33 1 53 69 76 90, Email: media@esa.int