Integrating space and defence for a stronger Europe

A Position Paper published by Eurospace this week identifies space-based capabilities as being fundamental in strengthening EU security and defence.

There is a pressing need to enhance the security and defence dimensions of the EU in space, and to raise awareness about the essential defence capabilities that are enabled by space: there will indeed be no serious defence capabilities in Europe without efficient space-based capabilities.

The European space industry believes that it is now high time for the sector to be more involved and active in the field of “defence” at European level and, at the same time, that “space” represents an opportunity for “quick wins” for the EU in support of defence capabilities.

In its new Position Paper “Bridging Horizons: Integrating Space & Defence for a stronger Europe”, the European space industry, represented by Eurospace, addresses key questions related to cooperative defence applications, synergies between the EU Space Programme and the multiple EU defence instruments, and the evolution of technologies, policies, and governance to meet defence needs.

It also examines the challenges and opportunities in developing multilateral defence capabilities and considers the role of Eurospace in identifying and promoting capabilities, aligning regulatory frameworks, and facilitating collaboration with national Ministries of Defence, the European Commission or the European Defence Agency.

While the forthcoming White Paper on the future of European defence presents an opportunity to raise awareness of the essential defence capabilities enabled by space, the European space industry hopes that its recommendations will contribute to its preparation.