General objective: The creation of a world-class infrastructure for the observation and characterisation of the environment using advanced optoelectronic methods, relevant to the soil segment of the ESA Earth Observation Programme, and an integral component of the pan-European research infrastructures ACTRIS-RI (aerosols, Clouds, and Trace finds Research Infrastructure) and INGOs (Integrated non-CO2 Greenhouse gas Observation System). Long-term objectives: In view of participation in ESA EOEP (Earth Observation Envelope Program), INGOs (Integrated non-CO2 Greenhouse gas Observation System) and ACTRIS-RI (aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure), INOE is determined to build the necessary capacities by 2020 and make use of the Structural Funds to create a sustainable infrastructure. This will include ground observation facilities, associated laboratories and data centres contributing significantly to Earth observation activities. In this context CEO-Terra has the following long-term objectives: development of observation capabilities to a high standard, as recommended by the European Space Agency in support of the Earth Observation Tire Programme, in which INOE is an active participant; capacity building as set out in the plans for the implementation of European ground-based research infrastructures in the field of environment ACTRIS-RI and INGOs, in which INOE is involved; providing the experimental basis for future multidisciplinary, frontier science fields; strengthening INOE’s position and contribution to technology transfer activities within emerging clusters MHTC (Magurele High Tech Cluster), ECO-INOVATIV (building cluster) and CLARA (Magurele KET Cluster – Centre of Excellence for Laser and Radiation Applications), in which he is a founding member