EU Technology harmonization

The process of harmonizing and developing a future policy for European space technology was initiated in 2000 in response to the adoption of a Resolution titled ‘Shaping the Future of Europe in Space’ at the ESA Ministerial Council in May 1999. This Resolution notes that "...the new and demanding challenges of 21st Century call for a concerted European effort, so that Europe achieves its fullest potential international cooperation and world competition".