Signature of the contribution agreement for the implementation of the Copernicus Security Service component on Support to EU External and Security Actions (SESA)

Yesterday, the Commission signed a new contribution agreement with the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) for the implementation until 2027 of the Copernicus Security Service on Support to EU External and Security Actions (SESA). The agreement was signed, by Mr Timo Pesonen, Director General for Defence Industry and Space of the European Commission, and Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Director of SatCen, in the context of the second SatCen Board meeting at Ministerial level on 29 August, in presence of High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner Thierry Breton.

Since its launch by the Commission in 2016, the EU Satellite Centre implements the Copernicus security service in support to EU External Action. This new contribution agreement renews the role of SatCen and expands the support of Copernicus security service to EU External and Security Action (SESA).

The SESA service includes new areas, notably addressing security of EU citizens, Humanitarian aid, crisis and conflict, 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.

The SESA service mainly targets European users, but it can also be activated by key international stakeholders, as appropriate under EU international cooperation agreements.

The Copernicus Security Service aim at supporting European Union policies by providing information in response to Europe’s security challenges. SESA is one of the three components of the Copernicus Security Service, together with Border Surveillance and Maritime Surveillance.

Additional information:

Copernicus Security Service

SatCen support to EU External and Security Actions