The European Union has outlined plans to strengthen Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and strategic independence in the space sector, with a focus on secure connectivity, investment, regulation, and access to space.
Speaking at the International Space Summit in Paris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen identified four key priorities: reinforcing the EU’s IRIS² secure connectivity programme, building a competitive European space market, strengthening the space ecosystem, and improving European space governance.
Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to IRIS², the upcoming secure satellite connectivity network designed to provide reliable communications across Europe. Once implemented, the system is expected to support governments, emergency services, and critical infrastructure, including during emergencies and in remote areas.
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The programme is also intended to strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty by reducing reliance on non-European satellite connectivity systems. The European Commission said growing interest from EU Member States, including additional funding commitments, reflects the programme’s importance as a shared European priority.
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The Commission also emphasized the need for a strong and globally competitive European space industry. It plans to establish a clear and transparent regulatory framework through the proposed EU Space Act, with common safety and sustainability standards for space activities while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.
Improving Europe’s access to space was another key priority. The EU aims to encourage greater private investment and support innovative and disruptive transportation solutions for future space missions.
European public officials at the summit are also expected to support a long-term European Space Transportation strategy. The initiative aims to establish a coordinated pathway for developing Europe’s future launch and transportation capabilities.
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The priorities reflect the EU’s broader effort to build a resilient and competitive space sector while strengthening its strategic autonomy and reducing external dependencies.