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Brussels, 01 Oct 2002

A European Parliament sky and space intergroup meeting with representatives from Russia called for a long term strategy for aeronautics and space on 25 September.

Participants at the meeting included members of the Russian DUMA and the European Parliament, as well as representatives from the European Commission, senior representatives from the European Space Agency, the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos) and the aerospace industry. This was the first time that the Parliament's intergroup had met to discuss EU-Russia relations in aerospace.

All speakers emphasised the fruitfulness of the long cooperation between Europe and Russia, and voiced support for the implementation of a long term strategy. The debate highlighted several projects and areas where partnerships should be considered, including Galileo, GMES, launchers, satellites and aircraft.

The European Commission highlighted the fact that Russian participation in the Sixth Framework programme is possible. A workshop in Moscow in January 2003 will focus on this issue.

The sky and space intergroup was established in July 2001 and has two main objectives. The group aims to provide interested MEPs with complete and open information about aerospace topics whilst establishing a comprehensive transverse dialogue on aerospace topics between the various political groups represented in the Parliament.

For further information, please contact the coordinator of the intergroup:
Mr Solly Side
Tel: +32 2 775 8110
E-mail: solly.side@aecma.org