International Cooperation
International Cooperation is of significant importance to Copernicus .
It supports the EU’s role as a global actor and contributes to solutions to common global challenges.
It's data policy provides full, open and free-of-charge access to Copernicus data and information, in line with the international data sharing principles of the Group for Earth Observation (GEO). Copernicus supports EuroGEOSS and is the European contribution to the GEO's Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
In light of Copernicus’ data policy, and since it has moved into an operational phase, access to Copernicus data and information draws increasing interest from various international partners. In this context, the EU seeks reciprocity in the data exchanges for the benefit of Copernicus.
The main objectives for Copernicus international cooperation are guided by its full, free and open data policy in support of tackling global challenges and providing opportunities for the European Earth observation community for creating jobs and growth.
They comprise:
- to establish Copernicus as a global best practice and accepted standard internationally
- to rally support from third countries for policies and other initiatives of the European Union
- to promote the uptake of Copernicus data globally in order to maximise its societal value in solving global challenges
- to involve third countries in Copernicus, as appropriate, and maximise the efficiency of the EU’s investments into Earth observation in light of co-ordination with international partners
- to create the conditions for – on the basis of reciprocity – integrating the data and information acquired by international partners into the Earth observation data management system in Europe
- to facilitate access to international markets (i.e. beyond EU borders) for European EO companies by creating the conditions for them to be able to export high-value added and knowledge-intensive products and services based on Copernicus data and services.
International activities under Copernicus include: