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Set up in 2001 to analyse the
adequacy of the existing political and regulatory framework for aerospace
in Europe, the European Advisory Group on Aerospace has identified key
areas that will determine the future competitiveness of the industry and
its ability to contribute effectively to Europe’s main policy goals.
Their findings have now been presented to the President of the European
Commission, Romano Prodi, in a report entitled, Strategic Aerospace Review
for the 21st Century (STAR 21).
Europe’s leaders have set wide-ranging goals
for the European Union with important implications for the aerospace industry.
More than ever, economic and industrial structures must be capable of
attaining ambitious targets in terms of competitiveness while responding
to evolving foreign and security policies. According to the STAR 21 report
(pdf file), a thriving aerospace industry is crucial to ensuring a secure
and prosperous future for Europe. It represents an invaluable pool of
key skills and technologies and is a driving force for innovation. It
provides the means of delivery of services from space and makes an essential
contribution to security and defence.
The European aerospace industry is a world leader
in several key market sectors. Its well-being depends on both civil- and
defence-related applications, complementary and mutually dependant areas.
Operating within both markets means sharing skills and technologies and
reaping economic benefits from a broad product range.
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The Advisory Group
– membership and key findings |
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The European Advisory
Group on Aerospace comprises seven aerospace industry chairmen,
five European Commissioners, including Research Commissioner Philippe
Busquin , the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign
and Security Policy and two Members of the European Parliament.
In considering the issues facing the European
aerospace industry, the Advisory Council has set out four key findings
in the STAR 21 report:
- Aerospace is vital to meeting Europe’s objectives for
economic growth, security and quality of life;
- A strong industrial base provides Europe with choices and options
with regard to its presence and influence on the world stage;
- European aerospace must remain strong to be a full partner
in the global marketplace;
- Europe must remain at the forefront of key technologies to
have an innovative and competitive aerospace industry.
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Recommendations |
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The STAR 21 report
identifies a number of areas in which the European Institutions,
Member States and the aerospace industry must act to maintain Europe’s
leading position in the aerospace sector:
- World markets – Europe’s goal
should be to secure a level playing field, allowing for fair competition,
including convergence of global export control procedures, reciprocal
market access and more international co-operation.
- Operating environment – A coordinated
research strategy, including increased resources, is essential.
An estimated € 100 billion is required over the next 20 years.
Tax incentives should also be considered.
- Governance of civil aviation – The EU
should be a policy-maker in all areas of civil aviation. A master
plan for air traffic management will be a crucial element under
the Single
European Sky initiative.
- Defence - Security and defence are seen as
the areas of most pressing need. A coherent European structure
is a prerequisite, with harmonised military goals and jointly
planned budgets.
- Space – The report welcomes moves towards
a consolidated European space policy with adequate funding. The
Galileo
and GMES
programmes are seen as key elements.
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Call for views |
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The European Advisory
Group on Aerospace is calling for the widest possible response to
its analysis and recommendations and is looking forward in particular
to the reaction of Member States and Community institutions.
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