European Space Agency resolution recognises ‘Space as an enabler’

On Tuesday, the Research and Space Ministers met in Brussels for the Council meeting of Ministers of the EU under the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The first part of the Ministerial meeting which featured space, discussed Europe’s role as a global actor in space and as a contributor to build the global space governance. The EU Ministers also participated in the Council of the European Space Agency (ESA) where the Resolution on “Space as an enabler” was adopted.

This resolution emphasises the role of space as an enabler for socio-economic benefits and for the expansion of knowledge especially in science, technology and applications.

This will support industries such as energy, public health, environment, agriculture, transport and climate change.

Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation Silvio Schembri said that Malta had recently launched its vision to launch its own National Space Strategy with the aim of creating a regulatory framework and incentives.

These would improve Malta’s attractiveness and capability to capitalise upon commercial activities related to the outer space.
In a policy debate, the ministers discussed research and innovation as the driving force for a more competitive EU.

They all agreed that in order to be able to deliver on the objectives undertaken at EU level in the field of R&I, a higher level of commitment from both the EU and the Member States was still needed for reaping the full potential of Europe in the research and innovation field.

Malta said the EU needs to prioritise research investments to address global societal challenges and the general sustainability of our economies.

In today’s digital age, Malta is at the fore-front of capturing the economic opportunities emanating from emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, big data, disruptive ledger technologies, cybersecurity and Internet of Things.

In fact, Malta’s adoption of a legal framework for disruptive ledger technologies, has transformed the country into a global leader of industries such as blockchain.

The country is actively working on the development and launching of an AI Strategy, which will focus upon a human-centric and socially responsible policy, supportive of AI-driven innovative start-ups.

Schembri was accompanied by the Deputy Permanent Representative Lorenzo Vella, Technical Attaché Omar Cutajar and Dr Ing James Foden, Senior Director within the Malta Council for Science and Technology.