'Ambitions of Europe in Space' conference planned for October

16 September 2009

On 15-16 October in Brussels, a high-level conference on European Space Policy will focus on the flagship EGNOS and Galileo programmes, GMES, and the future role of Europe in Space Exploration.

The conference is being organised by Business Bridge Europe (BBE) in partnership with the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and industrial partners.

Presentations will include evaluation of the current state of ongoing European Space Programmes and to their prospective technological, industrial and societal benefits.

Like the previous BBE Conference in June 2008 the 'Ambitions of Europe in Space' event will allow representatives of European institutions, national and local public authorities, the research and industrial communities and the general public to meet and exchange views on space policy, space systems, applications and financing.

The opening session will include presentations by The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, and the President of the EIB, Philippe Maystadt. Others high-level speakers are to include Commission Vice-Presidents Antonio Tajani and Jacques Barrot, and ESA head Jean-Jacques Dordain.

All participants will be invited to a networking dinner at the headquarters of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

For details, the conference programme and information on how to register, see the official conference website www.spaceconference.eu.

Participants are advised to confirm attendance as soon as possible as the number of places is limited.