«ESDP and SPACE», Athens special workshop organised by the EU Council Presidency and EC on “ Security and Defence Aspects of Space: The Challenges for EU”, 8-9 May 2003. Originally published on http://ec.europa.eu/comm/space/doc_pdf/kolovos.pdf
Alexandros Kolovos On The Hellenic Institutional Framework In Space
Alexandros Kolovos, ’Esdp And Space’, Initiative on EU 2nd Pillar, Athens,May 2003
1. ESDP and Space:
The Hellenic Presidency’s initiatives in the
Second Pillar
Lt. Col. Alexander Kolovos
National Center for Space Applications
HAFGS/MoD
Greece
Security and Defence Aspects of Space:
The Challenges for EU
Athens, 8-9 May 2003
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS 1
2. ESDP and Space:
The Hellenic Presidency’s initiatives in the Second
Pillar
I. Background
II. First Initiative on Space (September 2002)
III. Second Initiative on Space (March 2003)
IV. Current Situation
V. Way Ahead
2
3. I. Background
1998: Initiative on WEU’s Space Policy
2001: Contribution to a draft opinion on European space
policy in the framework of European Parliament. According
to the findings:
The current EU Space Strategy focuses on the competency
of transport, environment and research. That Strategy had not take
into account the developments regarding CFSP-ESDP due to
institutional limitations.
EU Space Programme is a civilian one, since:
Galileo navigation system falls in the transport domain and is
declared a civilian system of navigation satellites.
The Security component in the GMES initiative, does not include
military matters. The “S” in GMES covers the security and
protection of citizens related to environment threats. The EC
point of view is that the issues of crisis management need to be
considered at the appropriate time, at the appropriate setting.
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4. I. Background
2002: Targets set in the beginning of the Hellenic EU
Presidency (July 2002-June 2003):
Formulation of an EU Space Security Policy
Proposals for necessary arrangements in the institutional
Framework
Regarding the Space Programme:
The recognition of the dual use of the EU space programme
(Galileo, GMES)
Definition of required space capabilities in the CFSP/ESDP
framework
Put priorities in the development of the EU space programme.
4
5. II. First Initiative on Space (9/02)
In the 2nd semester of 2002 Greece served as the lead only
in ESDP matters replacing Danish EU presidency. Its
initiative focused in pure defense matters of 2nd pillar.
Presidency’s initiative “ESDP and Space” was presented in
Military Committee (25/9/02), that claimed :
Space assets constitute an essential segment of the military
capabilities needed.
Space is an important "force multiplier" which can support
strategic decision making, operational planning and the preparation
for and execution of operations.
Following a “bottom-up approach”, initiative presented the main
areas of space applications, the identified shortfalls and other
generic requirements related with space systems (but not
specifically mentioned in EU documents as such).
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6. II. First Initiative on Space (9/02)
Attempted a survey of the whole range of space missions:
Generic Areas of Space Related Identified Generic requirement
Domains Shortfalls in various EU docs
1. Command, Control, Communi- Secure
cations and Information (C3I) Communications
2. Intelligence, Surveillance, target Strategic satellite
acquisition, reconnaissance ISTAR Imagery
3. Early warning Warning Satellites
4. Signal Intelligence SIGINT Satellite
5. Position, navigation and timing Precision Guidance
6. Weather, oceanography, Weather forecasting-
mapping mapping
7. Combat Search and rescue Search and Rescue
8. Space Surveillance
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7. II. First Initiative on Space (9/02)
Conclusion:
Use of space-based sensors was already mentioned in general in
some key EU documents, but in a scattered way.
There was no document that describes the overall use of these
elements.
The Hellenic Presidency, recommended the Formulation of an
EU Space Concept in the ESDP framework. This conceptual
document could take into account the:
Range of space missions and functions needed in order to enhance
the EU capabilities to carry out crisis-management operations over
the whole range of Petersberg tasks.
The existing Concepts of CIS, INTEL, ISTAR etc
Existing military scenarios and capabilities which could be
employed in each one of them.
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8. II. First Initiative on Space (9/02)
As a Way Ahead, a Space Policy in the ESDP Framework
was envisaged.
EUMC was informed that a joint EC-ESA initiative (Green Paper)
would be launched in the future and that it would address
politically sensitive questions such as security, dual use, space
needs for the CFSP and institutional matters. Hellenic Presidency
participated in that process.
Since the process of reshaping the existing EU Space Policy in
order to take into account all the strategic interests involved has
started, it was rationale to expect that this Space policy in the
ESDP framework must be made by the appropriate, competent
bodies of IInd pillar. To this end, the formulation of a conceptual
ESDP Space Policy was envisaged, in order to give advice to the
Ist pillar.
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9. II. First Initiative on Space (9/02)
Key comments from Six Member States:
Need for a comprehensive inventory of all assets.
A "first stocktaking" could prove very useful.
Work of ECAP panels would be taken into account.
Wondered about the selected "bottom up" approach.
Space as a "trans-pillars" issue must be undertaken very
upstream
Developments in this field in other bodies of the European
Union.
Definition of the structures charged to express the various
needs for the EU within 2nd pillar.
Examination of interaction between EUMC and bodies in
EU and ESA who deal with space matters.
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10. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03)
The New Environment
European Space Effort in an Overall Context
Description of Different Options for a 2nd
Pillar Response
Conclusions-Recommendations
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11. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) –
The New Environment
1st Pillar adopted a Green paper on European Space Policy
(Jan. 21st, 2003), to stimulate debate over political sensitive
issues including space-based security and the needed
institutional arrangements.
Issues and questions for CFSP/ESDP aspects include the:
Definition of:
Space capacities required to achieve the political objectives of the CFSP.
Fields of critical short-comings including those concerned with space
systems used for security and defence
Possible areas for international cooperation.
Review of the decisional architecture.
Responsibilities and mutual relationships of institutional actors.
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12. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) –
The New Environment
The aim of the second Hellenic Presidency’s
initiative was twofold:
Firstly, it should answer to the various comments by
reviewing the European space effort in an overall
context.
Secondly, having in mind the request from 1st pillar, it
was intended to raise the awareness of the need for a
coherent approach to space and to map out a way
forward to develop such approach for 2nd Pillar.
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13. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) -
European Effort in an Overall Context
EU Countries
1st Pillar 2nd Pillar
Space Policy European Space None Various national space
Strategy (2000) policies
Green paper (2003)
Institutional DG/Research - JRC None. Only EUSC Various national Agencies or
Cooperation with Committees.
ESA.
Space Earth Observation 3 Shortfalls Earth Observation (Helios,
Capabilities (GMES) (Strategic IMINT, SAR-Lupe, COSMO /SKY-
Navigation (Galileo) SIGINT, Early MED) + BOC initiative of 5
Warning) countries.
2 ECAP Panels
Communications (Skynet,
Strategic IMINT
Syracuse, Sicral, Hispasat)
EW&DD
Signal Intelligence
(Essaim) 13
14. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - European
Effort in an Overall Context / 2nd pillar
1st pillar has recommended the establishment of a
regular dialogue on space security issues between the
SG/HR, the Commission, ESA and Member States.
2nd pillar could contribute to the questions and issues
raised by Green paper, regarding:
Space Policy.
Institutional Architecture.
Space capabilities.
By this contribution we can be ensured that what is
being developed in the military field is fitting into the
framework of the overall EU Space Policy.
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15. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - European
Effort in an Overall Context / 2nd pillar
Space Policy.
CFSP/ESDP space dimension was only partially addressed
so far, due to current existing institutional limitations.
According to 1st Pillar:
European Space Policy, including security and defence aspects, has
to be presented at the highest level for political endorsement.
Only Heads of State and Governments, meeting at their European
Councils, who can consider the European Space Policy in full.
To this end, it was foreseen that the Green Paper will be
presented to the PSC.
A Challenge for 2nd Pillar: The formulation of a Space
policy in the CFSP/ESDP framework.
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16. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - Different Options
for a 2nd Pillar Response
Institutional issues.
The development of such a coherent space policy, which
will cover all civilian, security and defence aspects, calls for
a review of the decisional architecture.
Another challenge for the 2nd Pillar is to identify and to
elaborate an overall EU Space security architecture.
Which body will be the focal point dealing with security
aspects related with space? Several ideas include the :
Involvement of ESA,
Expansion of the role of EUSC,
Creation of an EU Military Space Agency and
Formulation of a Space Group.
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17. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - Different Options
for a 2nd Pillar Response
Space Capabilities
Public European space expenditure is divided into civil and
military activities. Countries are engaged in national or
multinational related programmes outside the framework of
either EU or ESA. Of the ESA member states, only few fund
military space activities.
Due to not enough resources to fulfill all EU requirements with
expensive dedicated military systems, some of them might be of
special interest to EU.
STAR 21 Report recommends the development of a fully
European-based space defence and security capability. Areas of
application:
Surveillance, reconnaissance, telecommunications and positioning.
Shortfalls involve SIGINT capability and Early warning satellites.
But is it feasible ?
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18. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - Different Options
for a 2nd Pillar Response
Feasibility of EU Space Capabilities
I. Comparison of population and annual GNP
Europe US
Population (million): 540 (after 2004) 230
Annual GNP (trillion Euro): 10 7
II. Comparison of World Space Budgets (in current Meuro,
Eurospace)
Europe US Russia
2000: 3470 19969 396
2001: 3519 21533 450
Space activities in US and Europe show a ratio of 6 to 1 between the
number 1 (US) and the number 2 (Europe) in astronautics.
US seeks to maintain military supremacy based on technical
superiority and space is having a prominent role in this strategy. 70%
of US space systems are for governmental uses. In Europe the
opposite is the rule.
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19. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) -
Different Options for a 2nd Pillar
Response
Space Capabilities Possible Actions
1. Imagery satellites Strategic IMINT Panel recommended the following phased approach:
(ISTAR) – shortfall (stf) 1. improved access to Commercial Satellites,
2. negotiated access to emerging military and dual use systems.
3. continued access to the next generation of capability.
Requirements can be examined against existing or planned systems and
then ascertain whether existing systems or new systems are necessary. Steps
can be taken in the framework of BOC – GMES Initiatives.
2. Early warning – stf According to EW&DD ECAP panel, projects or initiatives in this area, are
still to be addressed. Area for possible international cooperation.
3. Signal Intelligence– stf Proposals in this area remain in their infancy.
4. Communication Multilateral efforts failed because of the lack of equality in the capability,
satellites for C3I. requirements and funds available.
(STAR21) Existence of various national systems.
There is a need to assess the EU satellite communication requirements and
then ascertain whether existing national or new systems are necessary.
5. Navigation and EU already has taken the decision to develop GALILEO system, which is a
Positioning (STAR21) civil asset, but with a clear dual use purpose.
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20. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - Different Options
for a 2nd Pillar Response
Estimated Cost
There are 5 programmes in Europe for communications
satellites and 3 for observation satellites, corresponding to a
cash flow to industry of the order of €500 million per year.
Acquiring a minimum common space capability would
require annual investments of :
716 M€ per year (Helsinki governmental conference, 2001)
785 M€ (French Bureau Espace)
800 M€ for 10 years or so (Green paper)
880 M€ per year (ESA’s Annual analysis 2002)
The total yearly investment in ESA programmes by its
members is about 2.3 G€. From the above-mentioned
estimations, the European military space need is about the
30% of the yearly investment for ESA.
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21. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) - Conclusion
1st pillar initialized the Green Paper on European Space Policy
process, which should embrace all aspects, including CFSP-
ESDP. Integrating space policy into EU competence, poses a
number of complex questions, regarding space policy,
organization, capabilities and short-comings.
It is logical for 2nd pillar to contribute in the dialogue for
security policy issues that lie in its competence:
The appropriate bodies must address space policy and institutional issues
in the CFSP/ESDP framework.
Regarding the space capacities, second pillar needs can be covered with a
series of different choices, which require prioritization and further
elaboration.
Contribution can ensure that what is being developed in the
military field is fitting into the framework of the overall EU
Space Policy.
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22. III. Second Initiative on Space (3/03) -
Recommendations
As a first step of a contribution to the dialogue that has
started, the Hellenic Presidency recommended that the
EUMC tasks the EUMS:
To bring together in a information paper space needs that are required for
military operations. More specifically, this document could take into
account the:
Range of space applications and functions needed in order to enhance the EU
capabilities to carry out crisis-management operations over the whole range of
Petersberg tasks.
Existing Concepts of CIS, INTEL, ISTAR etc.
Work of ECAP panels (Space elements / shortfalls).
As a way ahead, it was proposed :
The Formulation of a concept paper, which in due course could lead to a Space
Policy in the ESDP framework, along with
Proposals of remedial steps.
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23. IV. Current Situation
EUMC accepted the recommendation and tasked EUMS to
present an information paper. On April 15, 2003 EUMS presented
“Space Systems Needs for Military Operations” document.
At the invitation of the Presidency, the Commission presented to
PSC the Green Paper on the EU Space Policy. (April 15, 03).
The Presidency requested that the Secretariat produce a paper taking into
account the EUMS work. This paper should provide, by end May 03,
information in response to the questions relating to CFSP posed in the
Green Paper.
The PSC tasking gives the secretariat as much freedom as it needs to
answer any aspect of CFSP/Space/secuirty that it feels relevant.
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24. V. Way Ahead
The Hellenic Presidency, following a top-down
approach, suggests that the Secretariat could issue
a recommendation to the PSC regarding the:
Space Policy in the CFSP/ESDP framework
Necessary Arrangements in the Institutional
framework
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25. V. Way Ahead
Paradigm of a Space Security Policy for 2nd pillar.
A set of general guidelines and principles should compose the substance
of a Space Security Policy, like:
Recognition of military space activities are critical to the development of a
CFSP/ESDP.
Capitalise on the increasing synergy between military and civil developments in all
sectors of space.
Support bilateral and Multirateral cooperations in order to encourage the technology
exchanges among European Countries in all the space domains making optimum
use of the resources available.
Ensure EU’s ability to exploit space for military purposes, but also as required to
deny an adversary's ability to do so.
Since many European countries have adopted Space military policies,
the formulation of one for the 2nd pillar should take them into account:
Include space-based capabilities as an integral component of the EU’s
Communications and Information Systems (CIS), and Intelligence, Target
Acquisition and Reconnaisance system (ISTAR). (UK Strategy for Space).
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26. V. Way Ahead
Regarding the Institutional Framework it is proposed that the
Secretariat issues a recommendation to the PSC to convene a
Group of experts from Member States, which will:
Elaborate proposals for the EU Space Security Policy, as regards all CFSP-
ESDP considerations.
Propose the coordinating mechanisms required to implement this policy. A
Space group maybe the first step.
Elaborate the EU security space architecture.
EUMS, SecGen and EUSC will take part in this Group of experts.
As a way ahead, additional steps in the future could be the:
Formulation of a Concept Paper.
Definition of the common operational requirements.
Identification of any additional shortfalls.
Proposals of remedial steps.
Prioritization and further elaboration on the EU Space Programme for security and
defence.
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