The Evolution of European Space Governance: Policy, Legal and Institutional Implications

• Published in: International organizations law review 2009-01, Vol.6 (1), p.155-189
• Main Authors: Mazurelle, Florent, Thiebaut, Walter, Wouters, Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Centralization; European Union; Governance; Space Technology; Technology Policy; Treaties
• ISSN: 1572-3739; 1572-3747; 1572-3739
• DOI: 10.1163/157237409X464233

Discusses the future of the space program in Europe. Space is seen as a vital strategic tool, yet for most of Europe, it is controlled by two dissimilar organizations, the European Space Agency and the European Commission. Provides a general understanding of the impediments between European governance and space governance, by offering a strong understanding of governance itself. This proceeds to the past and the present makeup of Europe's role in space from a legal basis and the effects that the European Space Program will have on European governance in the future. Much of this is based around the effects and parameters of the Treaty of Lisbon, which took effect in December 2009. This treaty adds to the centralized governance of the European Union, by doing away with the pillar system which has proven to be too diffuse in decision-making. This may prove decisive towards space governance, as in the past, space was a realm that each individual state attended to independent of the European Union. With this in mind, the next step is to determine which organization should represent European designs on space, as well as providing a comprehensive list of goals that Europe will have towards its space migration. Adapted from the source document.