Press release
September 10, 2016: Citizens’ debate on Space for Europe in 22 ESA Member States
On 10 September 2016 about 2000 citizens from 22 European countries will participate in the first Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe. In the course of the day, citizens will have the opportunity to learn, debate, have their say and participate by suggesting priorities on all aspects of current and future space programmes.
- Unfortunately, your cookie settings do not allow videos to be displayed. - check your settings
Citizen's debate
This consultation on an unprecedented scale will take place simultaneously in all 22 Member States of the European Space Agency (ESA). Missions Publiques, the company that has been brought in by ESA to organise this consultation and conduct the debate, will gather approximately 100 citizens per Member State at various locations. Those selected will be as representative as possible of the population of their country according to socio-demographic criteria. The results of the consultation will be collated – as early as 48 hours after the debate takes place – and communicated to ESA.
Helpful for societal challenges
Referring to this initiative, ESA Director General Jan Woerner, emphasised his commitment to ESA being more open to society and to further engaging in a dialogue with European citizens, and said, “Spaceflight, space science, exploration, Earth observation, telecommunication, satellite navigation, space technology and innovation can all help respond to societal challenges and be a source of inspiration to future generations. European citizens can help us better assess our priorities”.
Future of Space Travel
The Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe is a major first – never before has the future of space activities been addressed in such an event held across so many countries.
Participate in this debate
Come and participate on September 10 in this world's first! Until then, you can also share information about this initiative with others and invite them to share their views on space policy!
To participate, citizens can register on the website. In the Netherlands, LEI organizes the debate in Noordwijk. For more information, visit the press page of website or contact us.