EU governments focus on strengthening investment in Space

Brussels -The Council of the European Union today (May 23) adopted conclusions on Strengthening Europe’s Competitiveness through Space. The text reflects on how a more competitive European space sector can contribute to the Union’s economic and social challenges and strengthen its role globally.

The space sector will play an increasingly important role in Europe’s strategic autonomy. An ambitious space policy, says Thomas Dermine, Belgian Undersecretary of State for Strategic Recovery, “will create business opportunities and quality jobs in this fast-growing sector, and will also help our economy, both industry and services, to accelerate the green and digital transitions and be better prepared to compete at global level.”

Space’s contribution to Europe’s competitiveness

The Council conclusions highlight the growing importance of space in many areas of EU socio-economic challenges and policies, from the Green Deal (with data collection to better understand and prepare for climate change), the digital transition (communication and information space-based services), or the overall competitiveness of the EU. Furthermore, space contributes to economic growth by generating innovative solutions, systems applications, and services that can benefit many other sectors via more integrated cooperation between the space and non-space sectors.

Boosting the space sector

In the text adopted today, member states underline the need to enhance the use of space data and call for the stronger development of the space sector by securing and increasing both public and private investment. Public procurement, a good risk management framework, or the promotion of public and private funding models could have a positive impact on all actors in the space ecosystem, including small and medium enterprises. The conclusions also underline the importance of profiting from the multiplying effect of investment in space research and development, promoting a stable and predictable business framework, and developing the necessary skills within the sector’s workforce. The conclusions underline the important role of public authorities in ensuring cost-effective data access for companies while preserving the security and protection of space data.

Space and global action

Based on the conclusions adopted today, the European Union and the European Space Agency should contribute to the development of global rules that ensure a sustainable space environment. The conclusions state that a strong European space sector is fundamental for European strategic autonomy, and call for the expansion of the European space sector and global collaborative partnerships.  The conclusions also emphasise that “space is vital for the protection of critical infrastructure (such as energy or network infrastructure), which makes it imperative to secure critical technologies.”