The framework agreement has two main objectives. The first is the coherent and progressive development of a comprehensive European space policy specifically aimed at linking the demand for services and applications using space systems to support EU policies with ESA`s provision of the space systems and infrastructure that are needed to meet this demand. The second objective of the agreement is to create a common basis and appropriate practical arrangements for effective and mutually beneficial cooperation between ESA and the European Union, while fully respecting the institutional and operational framework. 4. This agreement is amended only by written agreement between the parties. K. KUNZMANN, P. REUTER „Developing a legal framework for a coherent future structure for European space activities“Space policy, Volume 20, Edition 1, February 2004, p. 59-61. CONSIDERING that the European Community and the European Space Agency (ESA) believe that closer cooperation between them will strengthen peaceful uses of space as an important instrument to contribute to Europe`s cohesion and economic growth, and that space activities can be integrated into a wider political, economic, scientific, environmental and social framework that is directly at the service of European citizens; At the fourth session of the Space Council, 29 European countries expressed support for European space policy and unified THE approaches of ESA and the EU with those of their respective Member States. This is the first time that a common policy framework for space activities has been put in place in Europe.
The European Space Policy, jointly developed by the European Commission and ESA, sets out a fundamental vision and strategy for the space sector and addresses issues such as security and defence, access to space and exploration. In view of the various resolutions adopted by the Council of the European Union (1) and the Council of the European Space Agency (2) and the conclusions of the Council of the European Union of 10 December 2001, the two councils above encouraged the establishment of a framework for cooperation between the parties, while maintaining their respective roles and responsibilities; (2) establish a framework that provides a common basis and appropriate operational arrangements for effective and mutually beneficial cooperation between the parties with respect to space activities, respecting their respective responsibilities and responsibilities and fully respecting their institutional and operational framework. Cooperation between the parties under this framework agreement is aimed at: 5. This agreement is not intended to amend or oust previous agreements between the parties, which remain fully in force in accordance with their own conditions and provisions. „This agreement will facilitate the implementation of new joint projects and create a stable framework for cooperation between the ESA and the EU, which will benefit European citizens,“ said Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General. The agreement also opens up new opportunities for cooperation, such as EU participation in optional ESA programmes or the management of EU space activities by the EU. „The framework agreement will be measured above all by its success in generating valuable new programmes and activities in response to the demand of citizens expressed by the EC,“ added Mr Dordain. CONSIDERING that decision 676/2002 by the European Parliament and the Council of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (radio spectrum decision) is relevant, given that all space systems or applications depend on the availability of radio frequencies, PR 76-2003.