Can the Europe-Russia partnership contribute, through its spatial potential, to the solution of global problems of importance to humanity? In particular in the fields of exploration, the environment, climate, energy, transport and communications?
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) have led Dorigny to reflect on years of cooperation in the space sector and have discussed the possibilities of intensifying their partnership in the short and long term. In this context, delegations also met on the margins of the Dialogue to set up new programmes.
The debate, moderated by the President of the Foundation, José Maria Gil-Robles, brought together Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, and Sergey V. Saveliev, Deputy Director General of ROSCOSMOS. This event was organised by the Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe in partnership with ESA and SER.
The introductory speech was delivered by the Secretary of State for Education and Research of the Swiss Confederation, Mauro Dell’Ambrogio. The Confederation is a founding member of ESA and collaborates in many programmes in the space sector.
The speakers’ speeches, followed by dialogue with each other and with the public, focused on many key themes, including
– the objectives and priorities of Europe and Russia, including the case of Switzerland, as well as the prospects for collaboration between them and at global level
– the exploration of space, the expansion of knowledge about the universe and the earth;
– the need for cooperation between countries and competition between different teams of scientists and industrialists;
– the promotion of human civilization and technological advances for the benefit of all humanity;
– meeting the growing needs of economic development, security and scientific, technological and social progress.
Space activities are characterized by the implementation of long-term programmes with a high technological and innovative content, within an international framework that closely combines the institutional and private sectors. The adequacy of these programmes with the policies of the various countries and the means available to implement them are at the heart of the strategic challenges of the space sector today.
Russia, the repository of the USSR’s technical, scientific and industrial heritage, remains an essential space power today. It is increasingly adapting its technological capital and know-how, thanks to closer cooperation with other space powers, particularly Europe.
The various interventions gave rise to many questions and reflections, which sparked a lively discussion, both among the stakeholders and with the public.
