Heinz Zourek, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry in the European Commission, met the EUMETSAT Director-General, Dr. Lars Prahm, on March 24th at the headquarters of the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation in Darmstadt, Germany, Mr. Zourek’s first visit to EUMETSAT.

The two Directors-General discussed cooperation between EUMETSAT and the European Commission, notably on Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES/Kopernikus). They also discussed their priorities for 2009. Dr. Prahm briefed Mr. Zourek on operational applications in meteorology, oceanography, atmosphere, and climate. Mr. Zourek’s visit took place in the framework of activities covered by an exchange of letters between EUMETSAT and the European Commission in 2005. Discussions are currently underway on establishing a GMES/Kopernikus Operational Programme, in which EUMETSAT will have an important role to play. During its 64th Council meeting, July1st through 2nd in 2008, EUMETSAT agreed to provide its data and products for GMES/Kopernikus. The agreement covers GMES/Kopernikus pre-operational services from 2008-2010, during which all EUMETSAT data and products, including real-time data, will be made available free of charge to the five GMES Core Services (three fast-track and two pilot services). The three fast track services are the Land Core Service, Marine Core Service, Emergency Response Support Service, and the two pilot services are Security and Atmosphere monitoring.