To strengthen the fight against climate change and be better protected against terrorist attacks or natural disasters, two calls for proposals were published on 20 July 2011 in the area of space and security research.

The main aim of the space call is to support Europe’s ability to gather and utilise data gathered by satellites for the benefit of European citizens and European industry to better understand and monitor climate change.

Space and Security will cover the prevention of cross-border crime and irregular migration, and improve the security of citizens by protecting them against natural and man-made disasters. The security call will address the fight against terrorism and organised crime and industrial accidents. European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “Our security and space research projects demonstrate the added value of European investments in high-end technology. In space research we are only at the beginning, as it offers endless and fascinating perspectives. This type of research opens up new fields of industrial activity and is moreover a means of dealing more effectively with today’s major challenges. For example, if our satellite data can be understood and exploited internationally, we will be able to better address climate change.” Read More