The objective of the FP7 space work programme is to support a European Space Policy focusing on applications such as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security), with benefits for citizens, but also other space foundation areas for the competitiveness of the European space industry. This will contribute to fulfil the overall objectives of the European Space Policy, complementing efforts of Member States and of other key players, including the European Space Agency.

The EU considers the space field as a strategic domain as it can directly contribute to the
implementation of a large group of policy objectives, such as:
• Sustainable Development, (e.g. through information gathering in support of the Kyoto-protocol monitoring and the actions resulting from the Johannesburg Summit on sustainable development, taking into account also the recent “Lisbon Declaration on GMES and Africa” adopted under the aegis of the Portuguese Presidency).
• Common Foreign and Security Policy (e.g. in support of borders control, conflict prevention and crisis management).
• Lisbon Strategy (e.g. through better opportunities for Space related industries and geoinformation services, improved access to space-based data for services such as GMES).