The political challenges in space are huge. We must set the course today for the space of tomorrow. For more peace, security and justice on Earth. Now, I was in the US to help fostering international dialogue for better regulation. A revolution is happening in space. Satellites are getting smaller and smaller, rocket launches cheaper…
I am convinced that we in Germany and Europe must do more for the people in rural regions. Local people know best, what is really needed in their region. Thus, politicians need to listen and enable citizens to engage themselves. For me, two things are therefore important: First, politics must get out of the cities…
Technological independence for Europe is important. But this does not mean isolation. We can only solve the major challenges of the 21st century together. The Russian war on Ukraine has an impact also on international cooperation in space. A continuation of the cooperation with the Russian space agency Roskosmos seems to be questionable at the…
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) shows how space technology is driving us forward as a society. In March, I visited the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen, Bavaria. A total of 13 scientific facilities and institutes are located on the site near Munich. Around 1,800 employees work there on some of the most exciting German space projects….
I am committed to building a European space economy. Recently, I have visited the German start-up Isar Aerospace near Munich. Their launcher Spectrum is on the way to its first test flight. Satellite technology has become an integral part of our society. It is not only about communication and navigation, but also about industry, research…
Already 1.5 million people had to flee Ukraine after the Russian attack. Every day, several thousand arrive in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Germany. The European Union has reacted quickly and ensured an uncomplicated reception of the arriving people. The people on the ground show solidarity and willingness to help. Now the regions and municipalities…
I visited the German areas that were hit by the floods in July 2021. They are still rebuilding there. European money has not arrived so far. I propose a new European aid fund to better help in extreme weather events. The flood disaster last summer in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium shocked us all. A…
The EU Commission presented its plans for a new European mega-constellation. The “Secure Connectivity System” is planned as a multi-orbital constellation. It is intended to simultaneously enable quantum-encrypted communications for government agencies and deliver satellite-based Internet to structurally weak regions. The latter not only in Europe, but also on the African continent. We have to make…
Resource mining on the moon could become a reality in the near future. Now we need to bring forward international legal frameworks. I would like to bring an alternative to the American Artemis Accords into play: the Moon Treaty of 1979. Everyone wants back to the Moon. The USA and Europe, Israel, China, India, Japan…
Better social security for artists, strong and divers cultural and creative sectors, an international programme to support freedom of expression, and a Green minister for culture – the new German government’s cultural policy will bear the Greens’ signature. Yesterday, the new German government of Social Democrats (SPD), The Greens and the Liberal Party (FDP) presented…
The European Writers Council published its new study. In 2020, the European Writers’ Council study The Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Writers and Translators in the European Book Sector surveyed 33 professional organisations from 27 countries for a comprehensive report on the situation for book authors under the Covid-19 crisis. Now the Council published its…
Due to new laws and falling costs, renewables are being expanded all over Europe. A study commissioned by the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament now examines the socio-economic effects of wind power & co in different regions. The result: the effects are generally positive. But only if they are accompanied by adequate policy measures. One…
