Press release BDI Initiative NewSpace StartAir by GIFAS

JOINT DECLARATION From French and German Space startups Paris/Berlin, 10th November 2022 - In the digital age, space and space-based applications are of central importance for the entire European industry and its global competitiveness. They are key to future technologies such as autonomous driving, Internet of Things (IoT) and big data applications. Space is indispensable for the ability to judge and act in security and defence policies, for climate protection and sustainability and many other policy areas. In the run-up to the ESA Ministerial Conference, the German and French space startups strongly emphasize that there will be no European competitiveness without a common strategy of France and Germany. We, the representatives of the German NewSpace Initiative and the space startups of GIFAS, gathered in the StartAir initiative, ask for: (1) Pursuing greater European ambitions and strengthening Europe’s self-perception in space and a stronger commitment of national governments in this strategically highly relevant policy area by participating in and speeding up ESA and EU space programmes. (2) More competition and fair and equal access for all companies regardless of size and heritage to all ESA and EU programs, which is beneficial for Europe’s space ecosystem as a whole. Matthias Wachter Philippe Gautier BDI-Initiative NewSpace StartAir by GIFAS About us: The NewSpace Initiative is a cross-sector and cross-industry alliance of start-ups, space and tech companies, traditional industrial corporations and non-space associations under the umbrella of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). The members are united by the conviction that NewSpace makes our societies more digital, greener and more innovative. At the heart of a high-tech industry of excellence federated by Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), the StartAir french club brings together start-ups and connect them with industrial companies - SMEs, ETIs, large system manufacturers and prime contractors, in order to foster their development. Press contacts: NewSpace Initiative: Matthias Wachter, Managing Director  +49 30 20281597 - [email protected] GIFAS: Christophe Robin, Communications Director +33 (0)1 44 43 17 50 -  +33 (0)6 07 51 86 23 - [email protected] -- 1 of 1 --