Follow-up: 4th European Symposium by NEREUS Regions in Ponta Delgada, Azores | 2–3 October 2025

Follow-up: 4th European Symposium by NEREUS Regions in Ponta Delgada, Azores | 2–3 October 2025

   EU News Events Webinar & Training    October 22, 2025  |  0

Co-organised by NEREUS, and The Azores region in cooperation with The Canary Islands, the 2025 edition focused on how New Space technologies contribute to strengthening resilience and sustainability in Civil Protection, Blue Economy, and Defence & Security, reflecting on the role of regional authorities in addressing global challenges.

 

 

You may access and download all presentations from all panels using the links below.
Please note that the links will remain active until 19 November 2025.
​OCTOBER 2 – Presentations_PDF​
​OCTOBER 3 – Presentations_PDF

 

Following the previous editions in Wallonia, Basilicata, and Occitanie, the 4th European Symposium by NEREUS Regions, showcased its growing importance as a platform for regional dialogue, political engagement, interregional cooperation and best practices sharing in the space sector. Furthermore, the event was marked by strong political representation and support, with the presence of three politicians: Thierry Cotelle, President of NEREUS and Regional Councillor of Occitanie; Vito Bardi, President of the Basilicata Region and Vice-President of NEREUS  underscoring the message that space truly matters for regional development and cooperation and Berta Cabral, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures representing the Government of the Azores.

 

Located in the heart of the Atlantic, the Azores showcased how an outermost region can serve as a model for space innovation. With the ocean, agriculture, and tourism as key strategic sectors, the Regional Government is expanding its focus on the space economy to foster satellite applications that address citizens’ and public administration needs. Known for its strategic geolocation and ground stations, the Azores exemplify the potential of Europe’s outermost regions as testing grounds for space-enabled solutions. Through initiatives such as the Azores International Research Centre (AIR Centre), the Canarias-Azores Geo-Innovation Partnership, and the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium, the region reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and Atlantic cooperation bringing together high-level representatives, policymakers, and experts from across Europe to discuss the strategic role of regions in Europe’s space ecosystem.

 

The first day opened with welcoming addresses moderated by Roya Ayazi, NEREUS Secretary General, setting the tone for two days of high-level exchanges. NEREUS President Thierry Cotelle underlined that “space is vital, not a luxury – regions must align with the EU’s vision for safety, resilience, and sustainability.” David Pérez-Dionis Chinea (Government of the Canary Islands) highlighted that “through NEREUS we create synergies that empower regions to achieve more together,” while Berta Cabral (Government of the Azores) stressed that “space is a strategic sector – the Azores as an Atlantic hub for data, downstream applications, and cooperation.” Miguel Bello Mora (Orbex RA) delivered the keynote on “New Space for Multiple Challenges: Resilience & Sustainability,” offering insights into how innovation and partnership can drive Europe’s competitiveness in space.

 

Thierry Cotelle, NEREUS President

 

Berta Cabral, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures representing the Government of the Azores

 

The afternoon sessions focused on the EU Space Package 2025 and the contribution of space to the Blue Economy. Paul Flament (Head of Unit “Satellite Navigation”, DG DEFIS – European Commission) presented the benefits of the EU Space Package for regional growth and innovation, while Alessandra Tassa (ESA, Directorate of Earth Observation) provided insights into the Copernicus Space Component and its potential for maritime applications. Experts illustrated best practices on how satellite technologies contribute to ocean governance, sustainability, and innovation preventing risks in the Mid-Atlantic, supporting conservation in Macaronesia, monitoring illegal fishing and pollution, and empowering coastal communities through digital twins and Earth Observation solutions.

 

Alessandra Tassa, ESA

 

Paul Flament, DG DEFIS

 

The day concluded with a visit to CIVISA and a social dinner, which included a symbolic handover ceremony of a satellite miniature: from the Occitanie Region to the Azores, and from the Azores to Emilia-Romagna, the next host region of the symposium. The ceremony was accompanied by speeches from José Andrade, Regional Director of Communities, representing the Azores Government; Thierry Cotelle, President of NEREUS; Vito Bardi, President of Basilicata Region and Vice-President of NEREUS; and Marina Silverii, Executive Director of the Innovation Agency – Emilia-Romagna. The evening reinforced the political dimension and cooperative spirit that define the NEREUS network.

 

Thierry Cotelle & Vito Bardi

 

The second day opened with key messages from Vice-President Vito Bardi, underlining the importance of stronger collaboration among regions; José Andrade, Regional Director of Communities, representing the Government of the Azores, emphasising the transformation of regional challenges into opportunities; and Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency, highlighting the strategic role of the Azores through their ground stations and spaceport infrastructure. The following sessions explored best practices on the themes of defence, security, communications, and critical infrastructures demonstrating how regional space applications enhance Europe’s resilience, safeguard energy and transport networks, and ensure secure communications and data protection.

 

Vito Bardi, NEREUS Vice-President

 

The symposium reinvigorated the political and strategic commitment of NEREUS regions to Europe’s space ecosystem, strengthening their cooperation towards innovation, sustainability, and resilience. The next edition will take place in Emilia-Romagna in 2026, continuing the dialogue on the role of regions as key actors in Europe’s space policy and economy.

 

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More photos available after request.

 

(from the left) Antonio Colangelo (TeRN President), Vito Bardi (NEREUS Vice-President & President of Basilicata), Thierry Cotelle (NEREUS President & Regional Councillor of Occitanie)

 

(from the left) David Pérez-Dionis Chinea, José Andrade, Roya Ayazi, Marina Silverii, Duarte Cota, Vito Bardi, Thierry Cotelle, Andre Craveiro

David Pérez-Dionis Chinea (Government of the Canary Islands)

 

Miguel Bello Mora (Orbex RA)

NEREUS Earth Observation Working Group

 

Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency

 

Welcome and Introduction 

 

Panel: SUSTAINABLE COASTAL & MARINE RESOURCES

 

 

Panel: CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES

 

Vito Bardi, Roya Ayazi, Thierry Cotelle

 

Duarte Cota, NEREUS Board member (The Azores) & Thierry Cotelle, NEREUS President

 

Josep Colome, NEREUS Board member

 

visit to CIVISA

 

NEREUS Trophy

 

Furnas, Sao Miguel

 

2025, European Regional Symposiums, Events

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