Kopernikus, observing our planet for a safer world   European GMES exhibition stand at the GMES 2008 Lille forum.   The new name of the European GMES Programme (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) was announced on 16 September 2008 during the Lille forum. The European Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen (right) revealed the new name, Kopernikus, at the opening session. A press conference followed. Other members of the panel are Philippe Busquin, European Deputy (left), and Valerie Pecresse, French Minister for Higher Education and Research.   The GMES 2008 Lille forum held at the Grand Palais in Lille, France. Release date: 16 September 2008