The Position and Prospect of Europe in Space: Relations between ESA and EU

Mgr. Jelena Pečurica, B.Sc.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The Space playground recently got a new player: European Union. Therefore, as the potential benefits and a need to develop its space activities have emerged, the EU has started a closer cooperation with the European Space Agency through the signing of the Framework Agreement and operating of two joint programmes, Galileo and GMES. For this reason, the main goal of this thesis is to evaluate the current European position in the field of the space politics and industry through the evaluation of ESA and EU’s standings, activities, and cooperation. Furthermore, the author will argue that for Europe, in order to enhance its influence in this field, it is necessary to improve the cooperation with ESA, yet without the institutional convergence of this organization within the EU. In order to achieve the set goals, this thesis will analyze specific position of Europe in the space theatre through the evaluation of the EU - ESA relationship. Moreover, it will assess each of the organizations’ functioning, through the analysis of political, legal, financial, and specific space related activities and projects/programmes, and especially by focusing on the European Space Policy analysis.

Keywords

Space, European Union, European Space Agency, Framework Agreement, Galileo, GMES, European Space Policy

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 5. 2013

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 5. 2013
• Supervisor: Mgr. Petra Kuchyňková, Ph.D.
• Reader: PhDr. Zdeněk Sychra, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)