EUROPEAN COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
Brussels, 11 December 2012
Copernicus: new name for European Earth Observation
Programme
Copernicus is the new name of the European Commission’s Earth Observation Programme,
previously known as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security). The new
name was announced today by Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani during the
Competitiveness Council. In a world facing an increased risk of natural and other disasters
Copernicus aims to monitor the state of the environment on land, at sea and in the
atmosphere and also to improve citizens' security. At the same time, Copernicus is a
driver for economic growth and employment, with the potential to create up to 85 000
new jobs over the period 2015-2030, according to a recent study (see IP/12/1304).
European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and
Entrepreneurship, said: "By changing the name from GMES to Copernicus we are paying
homage to a great European scientist and observer: Nicolaus Copernicus. As he was the
catalyst in the 16th century to better understand our world, so the European Earth
Observation Programme gives us a thorough understanding of our changing planet,
enabling concrete actions to improve the quality of life of the citizens. Copernicus has now
reached maturity as a programme and all its services will enter soon into the operational
phase. Thanks to greater data availability user take-up will increase, thus contributing to
that growth that we so dearly need today”.
More information
MEMO/12/966
http://copernicus.eu
Copernicus on Europa
IP/12/1345
Why rename GMES? Why choose the name Copernicus?
All Copernicus's services will soon enter into the operational phase. User take-up will soon
follow because of the greater data availability. The new name will help to raise awareness
about Copernicus at all geographical and socio-economic levels — thus creating
opportunities for growth and jobs. There will be a special focus on regional and local
actors, be they public authorities, private businesses or citizens.
By choosing the name Copernicus we are paying homage to a great European scientist
and observer: Nicolaus Copernicus. The Copernicus theory of the heliocentric universe is
considered by many to be the main precursor of modern science. He opened to man an
infinite universe, previously limited by the rotation of the planets and the sun around the
Earth, and created a world without borders. Humanity was able to benefit from his insight
and this set in motion the spirit of scientific research which allowed us to have a better
understanding of the world we live in.
Copernicus
Copernicus consists of a set of services which collect data and provide information using
satellites and terrestrial sensors to observe the environment and the natural phenomena
occurring on the planet.
The Copernicus programme is not only a tool to improve the quality of life of European
citizens, but also has the potential to become a major contributor to Europe's strategy for
growth and employment. Copernicus does not replace existing European capacities, but
rather complements them with a view to fulfilling user needs and guaranteeing
sustainability and European autonomy in the long term.
Copernicus enhances our safety in numerous ways, for example by better management of
natural disasters, allowing for earlier intervention, thereby helping to prevent loss of life
and damage to property. It also delivers reliable information for monitoring and predicting
climate change.
Copernicus helps to improve the management of our natural resources, monitors the
quality of the atmosphere and the oceans, helps optimise our agricultural activities and
promote renewable energy. It allows better planning of our cities by monitoring urban
sprawl and easing the flow of transportation.
Contacts :
Carlo Corazza (+32 2 295 17 52)
Sara Tironi (+32 2 299 04 03)
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