Within the framework of the German EU Presidency, a high-level conference on Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) "The Way to the European Earth Observation System GMES - Munich Roadmap" took place on 17th April 2007. Stressing the importance of GMES as not only the first and most important application of the European space policy which will be disclosed next week, but a key investment in Europe's economic and political future, Commission Vice-President Verheugen said: "By 'monitoring the pulse of the planet' with GMES, we will be able to make policy decisions that are proportionate and effective in fields such as environment, security, fisheries, agriculture, development and humanitarian aid, and disaster management. This valuable input will make a unique contribution to better regulation and stimulate innovative responses to change." He went on, together with the Federal Minister of Transport Wolfgang Tiefensee, to underline how GMES will allow the EU to make decisions based on its own independent information and therefore to be treated equally where global issues are concerned.
The Munich roadmap, presented at that occasion by the German presidency, sets political milestones for GMES long-term sustainability:
1- By 2008, the first GMES services should be available and the Commission should present proposals for a sustainable programmatic, financial and management framework.
2- By 2012, the Council should adopt the necessary acts based on the Commission’s proposal and ESA should implement the first generation of GMES-dedicated satellites (Sentinels)
For more information: http://www.eu2007.de/en/News/Press_Releases/April/0417BMVBSMunich.html
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