Cyprus targets bigger EU space involvement

A Cypriot minister has urged the country to realise its full potential in technologies and fully harness the opportunities offered by the EU.

Speaking at the ‘International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment’ in the city of Paphos on Monday, Transport Minister Marios Demetriades said space and related technologies were important to the country, helping encourage economic growth, protection of the environment and encouraging science, innovation and research. By being part of the space development, the minister said such action would allow Cyprus to take advantage of space systems that are important to the welfare and security of EU citizens.

In comments carried in the Cyprus Mail, Demetriades told delegates: “In this rapidly evolving sector, where most states and companies actively participate, Cyprus needs to exploit its own capabilities.

“Recognising this strategic importance, Cyprus has set its priorities, which are the sectors of satellite communications, Earth observation, space navigation, and the enhancement of relations with the European Space Agency.”

The Transport Ministry is understood to be taking steps in order to have a major role in European space policy. Demetriades added that country was already taking advantage of Horizon 2020, as well as the Galileo satellite navigation and Copernicus global monitoring programmes, helping important research and innovation take place.