Space has become an essential domain for European security and defence. The increasing reliance on satellite technology for communication, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and navigation highlights its strategic importance. However, Europe’s dependence on non-EU actors for critical space capabilities raises concerns about vulnerability and resilience. As geopolitical tensions rise and threats in space evolve, strengthening European strategic autonomy in the space domain has become a pressing priority
Historically the European Union (EU) space activities have been driven by intergovernmental organisations like the European Space Agency, whose focus was primarily on scientific exploration, satellite deployment, and space technology development. European Member States relied heavily on American satellites for intelligence and communication, restricting their sovereign capabilities.
This is particularly relevant for modern defence operations, which often heavily rely on space-based assets. Satellites provide vital services such as secure communications, early warning of missile launches, ISR, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems. At the same time, the space domain offers a range of novel challenges, including space debris, cybersecurity threats, electronic warfare, as well as earth and orbit-based anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. Addressing these challenges requires a unified approach that leverages the expertise and capabilities of both public and private actors.
To this end, the EU Space Programme, including Galileo and Copernicus, as well as upcoming initiatives such as the EU Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA), are vital to enhance Europe’s position in the space domain. The Galileo satellite navigation system, for example, is a clear example of Europe’s commitment to achieving strategic autonomy. Galileo provides an independent global navigation satellite system, reducing reliance on the United States’ Global Positioning System (GPS) and Russia’s GLONASS. This independence is crucial for both commercial and military applications, ensuring that Europe retains control over its navigation and timing services.
Furthermore, the dual-use nature of space technologies means that investments in space for defence purposes can have significant civilian benefits. Technologies initially developed for military applications, such as GPS, portable computers, solar panels, and water purification systems, have wide-ranging commercial uses. By strengthening its space capabilities, Europe can reap these dual-use benefits, strengthening both its security and technological innovation.
While technological development is advancing at a rapid pace, the international legislative framework on space is outdated, scattered and ineffective. The most relevant examples of international space policy frameworks date back more than 40 years, namely the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the Moon Agreement (1984). Next to being outdated, these frameworks are often not endorsed by leading spacefaring nations, rendering them ineffective. This has, however, not prevented other nations from advancing their national policy, funding, and procurement frameworks in the space domain.
At EU level, competitiveness and innovation are currently stifled by regulatory hurdles, complex approval processes, and a lack of harmonization. The bureaucratic nature of EU coordination often leads to delays, underscoring the urgent need for a harmonized regulatory framework that can streamline these processes to capitalize on the private sector’s dynamism to foster innovation and collaboration.
To address these challenges, the European Commission’s proposal for a Space Act, set to be published in Q2 2025, represents the EU’s strategic response to rising challenges in the space domain. This comprehensive framework aims to address significant barriers to innovation, security, and sustainability within the sector. In addition, Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, proposed a Space Single Market initiative, which seeks to create a unified market for space-related products and services by promoting competition, reducing regulatory hurdles, and adhering to safety, security, and sustainability standards.
Jointly, these initiatives offer a unique opportunity for integrating and harmonising the current fragmented space policy framework, as well as aligning it with surrounding policies such as the Critical Entities Resilience Directive, NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, as well as the European Defence Industrial Programme. Effective harmonisation would optimise investments, avoid duplication, and ensure overall efficient resource allocation.
Looking ahead, achieving European strategic autonomy in the space domain is not merely a goal but a necessity for the EU’s security, economic growth, and technological leadership. By fostering innovation, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting public-private partnerships, the EU is reducing dependencies on foreign technologies and establishes a sovereign space supply chain. This autonomy will bolster our defence capabilities, drive innovation, and strengthen the EU’s military and commercial space capabilities.
At the same time, EU institutions must establish a regulatory and financial framework that incentivizes industrial competitiveness and accelerates capability development. Strengthening public-private collaboration is imperative to ensuring that Europe not only safeguards its interests but also remains at the forefront of the global space race. As the EU advances key initiatives like the Space Act and the Space Single Market, it must integrate them into a cohesive strategy that aligns with geopolitical realities, mitigates external risks, and positions European industry as a leader in the evolving space landscape.
Photos AdobeStock
* Attilio Caligiani is Partner at FGS Global; Gen. (ret.) Stéphane Abrial is Senior Advisor at FGS Global and the former Chief of Staff of the French Air Force and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation; Lennart Padberg is Associate Director at FGS Global