Posted: Fri, Nov 26, 2004, 3:21 PM ET (2021 GMT)
Representatives of the European Space Agency and the European Union met in Brussels this week to begin work on the foundations of a unified European space program. The first-ever "European Space Council" brought together ministers from 27 nations that are members of ESA and/or the EU to discuss how to create an overarching space policy. Representatives attending the meeting did not discuss what areas would be included in the policy, other than to say that the policy would be "user-oriented" and attempt to avoid duplication of limited resources. The final policy is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2005.

Related Links:

•  Cordis News article
•  ESA press release