NEREUS

NEREUS is the Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies, based in Belgium. It gives regions a platform to make better use of space applications. The aim is to deliver efficient public policies that benefit citizens.

Europe's flagship space programs, Copernicus and EGNOS and Galileo, now run in operation. They provide data and signals that can be turned into useful information for regions across Europe. NEREUS helps regions use them. Its members are European regions, and companies can join as associate members. A Slovak geospatial firm, for example, joined recently as an associate member.

The network works on three strategic pillars. These are political dialogue, interregional collaboration and partnerships, and technological trends and public outreach. It has partnerships with EU and space organisations. It has worked with the European Space Agency since 2012.

Copernicus4Regions is its flagship project. It is a joint initiative of the European Commission, the European Space Agency and NEREUS. NEREUS manages it under an ESA contract, with EU funding. The project shows how regions across Europe use Copernicus to solve common problems. In 2017 it collected 99 user stories from public authorities. A follow-on agreement with ESA keeps the work going through 2028.

NEREUS also leads or joins other projects. These include EU Global Action on Space, SATSDIFACTION under Interreg, and AWARENESS, which began with a kick-off meeting in Nîmes, France. Past projects include CoRdiNet, EO4GEO, IMPRESSIVE, Space4OurPlanet, OCEANIDS and Space Girls Space Women.

The network runs events on resilience, education and training, tourism and space for critical infrastructure. Its 5th European Symposium took place in Bologna and was co-organised with the Emilia-Romagna Region. More than 240 people took part. NEREUS also publishes an annual report and holds info sessions with partners, such as one on space and energy with FEDARENE.

Services

• Platform for regions using space technologies
• Political dialogue
• Interregional collaboration
• Public outreach
• European symposiums
• Copernicus4Regions
• EU project participation
• Publications and annual reports