The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), in collaboration with the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), successfully concluded a productive two-day seminar, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two institutions. The event, held on 30 – 31 January 2024, drew researchers from Norway’s research 6 policy-making communities, highlighting the increasing cooperation and shared vision between ESPI and NOSA.
The two-day seminar, aimed at bolstering the Norwegian research and policymaking community’s exposure to European space policy and its significance on both the European and international stages. The agenda addressed the pressing trends and questions facing the European space sector and policy actors, covering diverse topics such as Security & Defence, Institutional Relations, and Green & Climate initiatives.
Day one of the seminar commenced with an introduction to the workshop at ESPI’s new premises, followed by an in-depth presentation on UN COPUOS by Niklas Hedman, former Chief of CPLA Section and Former Acting Director at UNOOSA. Participants then enjoyed a visit to the Vienna International Centre, home of UN COPUOS, offering a unique opportunity for firsthand insight into the operations of one of the most crucial bodies in international space governance. The day concluded with an ESPI-organised official side event to UN COPUOS, organised with support from the UK Space Agency under the umbrella of ESPI’s Vienna Space Diplomat initiative.
The second day’s proceedings were equally engaging, beginning with a visit to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where attendees were greeted with a warm welcome address by Ms. Malgorzata Twardowska. The session offered profound insights into conflict prevention, resolution, and the innovative use of technology in these endeavours, which was further underlined by thematic presentations on the OSCE’s economic and environmental activities, particularly in energy security and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The seminar not only served as a platform for intellectual exchange but also reinforced the mutual commitment of ESPI and NOSA to advance European space policy dialogue and cooperation.
A selection of photos of the two-day NOSA visit can be found below:
