Press Release: Boosting competitiveness and innovation, €324 million for space and security research

The European Commission on 10 June 2010 initiated negotiations to sign research contracts worth €324 million with 108 successful space and security research consortia. They represent strategic domains for the EU’s competitiveness and contribute to the implementation of a range of policy objectives, including the fights against terrorism and climate change, and the furthering of sustainable development, industrial renewal, economic recovery, leading to the implementation of the 2020 strategy. As a global actor and major space power, the EU relies on space and security research for strong border protection and enhanced environmental monitoring. Therefore funds also support the continued development of Europe's Global Monitoring system for Environment and Security (GMES).