Securing Europe’s place in space: investment for a strong, resilient and sovereign EU

On Tuesday, 21 May in the European Parliament in Brussels, the second event following the official establishment of the Sky and Space Intergroup was organised and chaired by MEPs Christophe Grudler and Massimiliano Salini. In front of a diverse attendance of more than 50 policymakers, industry and experts, ahigh-level panel composed of Christoph Kautz (Director Space Policy, Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation, DG DEFIS, European Commission); Michael Witting (Head of the Systems Strategy Programmes Department, Directorate Connectivity & Secure Communication, European Space Aency); and Fiammetta Diani (Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme), discussed how the the next EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework(MFF) will be essential to raise the ambitions of Europe in space.

Both Sky & Space Intergroup Chairs highlighted the growing centrality of space in European policy and the need for a significant financial boost. They stressed that space technologies are now critical infrastructure for secure communications, banking, geolocation, and defence. With global actors like the United States and China rapidly advancing in satellite constellations and launch capabilities, Europe must accelerate its efforts to maintain technological and strategic parity. MEP Christophe Grudler called for the next MFF to allocate at least €50 to €60 billion to space, arguing that Europe must move beyond maintaining its current programmes and toward substantial expansion - particularly in areas such as launchers, low Earth orbit (LEO) capabilities, and satellite-based services.

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), represented by Fiammetta Diani, reiterated its role as a user- and security-oriented agency, currently managing programmes including Galileo, EGNOS, Govsatcom, and Space Surveillance and Tracking. Emphasis was placed on the importance of demonstrating the tangible societal and economic value of space investment, as well as the need to build demand-driven policies. EUSPA also confirmed that Govsatcom will become operational in June, marking a milestone in Europe’s secure communications infrastructure. From the European Space Agency, Michael Witting outlined the need for greater industrial competitiveness and autonomy in space. ESA identified three strategic pillars guiding its contribution to a secure and resilient Europe: European Resilience from Space (ERS), LEO-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), and secure connectivity through the IRIS² programme. ESA also stressed the need to Europeanise the supply chain and ensure European control over critical space infrastructure. The European Commission, by way of Christoph Kautz, provided a forward-looking perspective on the next MFF, which is currently in preparation. While the final structure is not yet confirmed, the Commission indicated that space is a clear priority. Strategic priorities for the space domain in the next MFF are expected to include sustaining Europe’s flagship programmes (Galileo, Copernicus, IRIS²), securing autonomous access to space, enhancing protection of assets, reducing critical dependencies, and supporting the EU space economy through initiatives like CASSINI.

The Commission is expected to publish its formal MFF proposal in July 2025. Key political questions were raised during the discussion, including concerns about whether space will have a dedicated budget line within the new MFF. There was also debate around the dual-use potential of space systems and the implications for civil-military cooperation. ESA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful uses of space, while the Commission acknowledged the dual-use nature of many systems and the role of Member States in determining their application. 

In closing, participants underlined the importance of a coordinated, ambitious approach across European institutions to ensure that space remains a strategic pillar of European policy. The success of the next MFF negotiations will depend on a strong initial proposal that shall reflect space as a core element of Europe’s geopolitical and economic strategy.