About 2,000 European citizens from 22 countries, including some 100 Romanians, will participate in the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe, an event organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) on September 10.

During the event, which will take place in all 22 countries simultaneously, the participants will debate on space matters during a day-long meeting.

The Romanian Space Agency (ROSA) is in charge of organizing the debate in Romania. According to information on the event’s website, the debate will take place at the Phoenicia Hotel in Bucharest.

Romanians could register for the debate until August. About 100 Romanians are expected to participate to the event.

ESA is an international organisation with 22 member states, namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Canada takes part in some projects under a cooperation agreement. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia also have cooperation agreements with ESA.

The agency’s job is to draw up the European space programme and carry it through, according to information posted on its website. ESA's programmes are designed to find out more about Earth, its immediate space environment, our Solar System, and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services, and to promote European industries. ESA is based in Paris.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Citizens' Debate on Space for Europe on Facebook)