From strategy to sovereignty: defining Europe’s space ambition in a fragmented world

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🔴WATCH: From strategy to sovereignty: defining Europe’s space ambition in a fragmented world

Friends of Europe’s Dharmendra Kanani engages with Dr Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), in a timely conversation on how ESA can turn political support and public investment into tangible results for Europe’s industrial competitiveness, technological leadership and societal resilience.

The discussion explores:

  • How ESA balances its longstanding civil mission with growing expectations around Europe’s security, resilience and strategic autonomy;
  • The outcomes of the 2025 ESA Ministerial Council and what they mean for implementation, investment and Europe’s space ambition;
  • How space should be positioned in the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework — not only as a sectoral policy, but as strategic infrastructure for Europe’s green transition, digital transformation, economic security and global influence;
  • How flagship programmes such as Copernicus can demonstrate clearer value for policymakers and citizens, from climate monitoring and crisis response to industrial innovation and economic growth.

Crucially, the conversation will consider how Europe can build on the momentum from CM25 to strengthen its space ecosystem, improve coordination between ESA programmes and EU instruments, and ensure that Europe remains a leading space actor in a more fragmented global landscape.

#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.  

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From strategy to sovereignty: defining Europe’s space ambition in a fragmented world
Speakers

Speakers

Josef Aschbacher
Josef Aschbacher

Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA)

Show more information on Josef Aschbacher

Thirty years ago, Josef Aschbacher began his career at the European Space Agency (ESA) where he was seconded as the ESA Representative to Southeast Asia at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok. Later, he joined the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy, where he served as scientific assistant to the Director of the Space Applications Institute. Upon his return to ESA headquarters in Paris, he was tasked with advancing Copernicus activities within ESA, going on to become head of the Copernicus Space Office, where he led all activities for Copernicus within the Agency and with external partners, in particular the European Commission. Before taking office as the ESA’s Director General, Aschbacher was entrusted with planning the ESA’s Earth Observation Programme, as well as formulating and implementing programmatic and strategic decisions across the Directorate.

Dharmendra Kanani
Dharmendra Kanani

Director of Policy & Programmes and Chief Spokesperson at Friends of Europe

Show more information on Dharmendra Kanani

Dharmendra Kanani is Director of Policy & Programmes and Chief Spokesperson at Friends of Europe. Prior to joining Friends of Europe, Dharmendra was director of policy at the European Foundation Centre (EFC). He was the England director at the Big Lottery Fund, the largest independent funder in the UK and fourth largest in the world. Dharmendra has held senior positions in the public and voluntary sectors and advisor to numerous ministerial policy initiatives across the UK.

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