However, it must not be forgotten that the Sentinels have been designed to ensure data continuity, filling gaps in existing international, national, and commercial missions. Consequently, the successful implementation of GMES services that correspond precisely to the user needs defined in the early stages of GMES, requires a non-discriminatory access to data from all these missions. Thus, a comprehensive GMES data policy needs to go beyond the Sentinels.

Our last Annual General Meeting in early July has been marked by an important step forward for our Association through the positive vote on the Evolution Plan presented by the Board of Directors. The road is now opened for an extensive upgrading of our logistics and working practices to respond to the expectations of our increased member population. Within this broad approach a special effort is made to take care of the characteristics and needs of our Small and Medium size companies (SMEs).