Europe’s challenges in space security

Space is no longer a niche policy area. It underpins Europe’s economy, security and social wellbeing, while driving innovation that touches citizens’ daily lives. From weather forecasting and navigation to secure communications and climate monitoring, Europe’s investment in space delivers value for all citizens.

As new needs arise, Europe must not only maintain its position as a global leader in its traditional areas of excellence, such as Earth Observation through its world-leading flagship Copernicus Programme, but also build on its expertise to answer new pressing challenges, namely around resilience and defence. Space is often considered a key gauge of international power in today’s world. If that is indeed the case, how much power does Europe really hold?

Launched during our Policy Insight exploring Europe’s ambition in space, the report details the geopolitical stakes involved and the crucial role of sattelite services and connectivity in modern conflicts. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, when Europe is concerned about its “strategic autonomy” and risky dependence on foreign suppliers for its raw materials, energy, rare earths, critical supply chains and weapons systems, can Europe afford to be less than sovereign in space – a domain that increasingly determines what goes on on land, at sea and in the air, as well as in the digital and cyberspace realms?

This report is part of Friends of Europe’s Making Space Matter Initiative.

Related content:

• Event | Europe’s ambition in space: unlocking potential and funding future challenges
• Event | Strengthening Europe’s space capabilities for resilience: boosting synergies in view of future Earth observation capabilities
• Initiative | Making Space Matter
• Insight | Bringing space diplomacy down to Earth