Prague has become the space center of the EU. It will bring it to the Commission
The space program and the associated technological development will be an increasing priority for the Czechia, which is why further investments will be made in it. At the same time, it may become one of the key options for economic development after the coronavirus crisis.
This was stated by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (YES) during the ceremonial opening of the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) on Friday. He promised the agency support from the government. The agency is in charge of all EU space programs and activities, based in Prague.
EUSPA has recently transformed itself from the European Global Navigation Satellite System Agency. It now brings together the management of the operation of EU space programs, while continuing to be in charge of the management of the Galileo navigation system.
He is also in charge of European satellite navigation services, and will also be active in the commercial use of Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus data and services. Another goal of the agency is the coordination of the prepared EU satellite communication program in the state administration (GOVSATCOM).
Government support
At the opening of the agency, Babiš appreciated her work to date and her contribution within its old structure. At the same time, he promised its representatives support with all safety or technical matters in the running of the agency. At the same time, he describes the agency’s operation in the Czech Republic as a great opportunity to participate in the running of the institution, which, according to him, will play a key role in the European agenda in the past.
According to the premiere, the space program and the technologies connected to it have an increasing place in everyday activities. The benefits of the agency were also highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade and Transport Karel Havlíček (for YES).
“Space technologies are key today for a wide range of industries, from transport, through agriculture, industry to environmental protection and more. We will invest the maximum possible in them, both financially and humanly, “he said.
I love the Czech budget
EUSPA, formerly the Agency for the European Global Navigation Satellite System, also known as the GSA, based in Prague since 2012. According to the agency’s representatives, it paid over three billion crowns to the Czech budget last year.
Following enlargement, the financial contribution should increase. The number of employees should increase from the current 200 to 600, so the state is now looking for new premises for the agency. The current seat in Janovského Street in Prague’s Holešovice will be unattainable. The state would like to find and prepare a new building most often by 2024.