European ministers responsible for space policy will be meeting in Brussels on the afternoon of Friday 29 November for a session devoted to space.
Ministers will hold a policy debate on the future of the Union’s space policy, in particular the strategic and security aspects of space policy, following the adoption of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence (EUSSSD) in March 2023.
In its preparatory note, the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council highlights the “defence synergies within a civilian space programme”. According to the Presidency, in the current geopolitical context, the European Union is at a “pivotal” moment in its space policy.
“As global competitors increasingly integrate space capabilities into their defence strategies, the EU aims at developing its civilian-led space programmes by offering more services to defence users, relying on dual-use space assets and increased security requirements, whilst also maintaining its commitment to promote peace and stability”, sums up the Presidency.
The note describes the main priorities for integrating defence into space initiatives, including technological sovereignty, strategic autonomy, defence synergies with the EU space programme and the resilience and security of space infrastructures.
The Presidency is therefore asking ministers to consider how the EU’s space programme should evolve to best meet the growing security challenges in Europe. In addition, ministers will discuss ways in which the EU, “while maintaining civilian leadership in space”, can further respond to defence and security needs of space-based services and strengthen the resilience and security of its space infrastructures in view of growing threats.
Finally, the Presidency would like to know which dual-use initiatives should be priorities for the EU, “in its next wave of space assets”, to ensure market growth and security capabilities, but also the alignment of defence-related space activities with its sustainability and competitiveness goals.
The Special Envoy for Space of the European External Action Service, Marjolijn Van Deelen, will take part in the exchange of views.
See the note: https://aeur.eu/f/ei9
Ministers are also expected to adopt conclusions on reinforcing European competencies in the space sector (see EUROPE 13530/14). In particular, they are expected to stress the need for a comprehensive approach that includes the development of skills, regulatory frameworks and international collaboration to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of space technology.
They could invite the Commission “to contribute to the development of the competencies and skills necessary for the successful implementation of EU space programmes and for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the European space sector”, in cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, Member States and industry.
The Council is also expected to approve conclusions on the interim evaluation of the space programme, analysing the findings of a report on the implementation of the EU Space Programme and on the performance of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), which the Commission published in July 2024 (see EUROPE 13531/16).
Ministers are expected to make a positive assessment of the space programme, recognising the progress made since implementation began in 2021, “in particular by bringing together the EU’s different space activities under a single regulatory framework, significantly improving the coherence, efficiency and strategic impact of EU space initiatives”. They are also expected to welcome the overall performance of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in managing the tasks assigned under the space programme.
Finally, the future Polish Presidency of the EU Council will present its work programme in the field of space. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)