1. 1 Towards a national space law in The Netherlands…... Project 2001plus workshop Leon Noorlander January 30th 2004

2. 2 Dutch National Space Law Why a national space law for The Netherlands? What has happened so far? What’s next?

3. 3 Why a national space law? The Netherlands has retified all 5 UN- treaties on space affairs Private activities started to take place in The Netherlands (New Skies) Does this give a need for national legislation…..?

4. 4 Von der Dunk-report A national space law is necessary in order to comply with UN-treaties (system of supervision and control). A licensing-system for private space activities will best match the requirements in the UN-treaties It will also create the required system of registration

5. 5 Von der Dunk-report A national space law is desirable because it: –Controls state liability for private activities (indemnification) –It gives tools to better control (the legal aspects of) space activities.

6. 6 Translation to policy The Council of Ministers has agreed that: –a specific national space law is necessary and desirable; –a licensing system will be the basis for this law. –The Council of Ministers has asked Economic Affairs to draw a proposal for the space law

7. 7 What’s next Currently drafting a concept text for the national space law (ready fall 2004) Looking for the best authority to execute the new law

8. 8 External input Changes in international legal framework (e.g. Unidroit, space debris) Shifts in ‘good practice’ Harmonization projects (EU?, ECSS)