From orbit to impact: charting Europe’s course in a changing global landscape

Friends of Europe’s Dharmendra Kanani engages with Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), in a timely conversation that delves into ESA’s recent successes and its evolving role in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. With new European leadership and key budgetary decisions on the horizon, this exchange examined how ESA is navigating strategic, security and societal imperatives to position Europe as a global leader in space. 

The conversation explored ESA’s perspective on space as a source of security and resilience, its priorities for the upcoming Ministerial Conference and EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and the concrete steps needed to ensure Europe’s space assets are recognised – and funded – as strategic infrastructure. Crucially, it considered how to build a stronger business case for investment and make space more visible, relevant and meaningful to European citizens.  

This edition of Critical Thinking Live aimed to connect policy, purpose and citizen engagement – putting ESA at the centre of Europe’s path from orbit to impact. 

#CriticalThinkingLive is the latest expansion in our #CriticalThinking family, bringing influential voices from across a range of sectors to challenge, inspire and influence current thinking on the biggest issues facing Europe and the world.  

Related content:

• Initiative | Making Space Matter
• Event | Space solutions for Europe’s challenges: shaping resilience with space technology
• Insight | Running out of space: European security in space

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