Space: Commission and European Satellite Center strengthen Copernicus services to support external and security actions

The Commission has signed a new contribution agreement with the European Union Satellite Center (SatCen) for the implementation, until 2027, of the Copernicus security service supporting EU external and security actions (or 'SESA': Copernicus Security service to EU External and Security Action). Since 2016, the EU Satellite Center has been implementing the Copernicus Security Service in support of EU external action.

This new contribution agreement renews the role of the EU Satellite Center and extends the support of the Copernicus Security Service to the EU's external and security action. The SESA covers new areas, such as the security of EU citizens, humanitarian aid, crises and conflicts, the rule of law, transport safety and security, stability and resilience for development , cultural heritage, international trade and economic diplomacy, as well as challenges such as environmental issues, climate security or health security.

These additional application areas have been designed based on specific user needs. SESA primarily targets European users, but it can also be activated by key international actors, within the framework of EU international cooperation agreements. The Copernicus Security Service (SESA) aims to support Union policies by providing information in response to Europe's security challenges. SESA is one of the three components of the Copernicus Security Service, along with border surveillance and maritime surveillance.

The agreement was signed by Timo Pesonen, Director General for Defense Industry and Space of the Commission, and Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Director of SatCen, in the presence of High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner Thierry Breton , on the sidelines of the second meeting of the ministerial-level SatCen Board of Directors, chaired by High Representative Josep Borrell.

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