
Brussels, January 28 2025 – During the European Space Conference, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, has made a series of significant announcements aimed at reinforcing Europe’s leadership in Space. Joined by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, along with Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, and Commissioners Kadis, and Zaharieva, the event has highlighted the EU's strategic priorities in the rapidly evolving Space sector.
Commissioner Kubilius has emphasized the critical role of space in Europe’s security and economic future, acknowledging the significant strides the EU has made thus far while recognising the need for swift action, increased investments and preparation in view of the challenges to come. Mentions to programmes and initiatives within the EU Space Programme such as Galileo, Copernicus, and the upcoming IRIS² constellation have served as key examples of the EU’s capability to improve the lives of citizens while also strengthening the continent’s technological edge.
Ensuring the EU's strategic autonomy in Space is a central priority, and Commissioner Kubilius has emphasized the need for greater competition, diversification, and the promotion of European preferences in the sector. The European Commission has already begun fruitful collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) in this regard, and Commissioner Kubilius has reaffirmed the commitment to deepening this partnership moving forward. A key aspect of this effort will be the continued development of a long-term European launcher policy, ensuring Europe has reliable and autonomous access to space. Commissioner Kubilius has also announced that the EU will reinforce its collaboration with Arianespace, specially through Ariane 6, a cornerstone of Europe’s launch capabilities, ensuring the successful deployment of EU assets in the years to come.
The signature of a launch contract between the European Commission and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and Arianespace confirms the intention to send the first pair of second-generation Galileo satellites (L17) into orbit aboard an Ariane 6 rocket. This launch, a part of the continued expansion of the Galileo navigation constellation, will enhance precision and reliability for global users. ESA will serve as the Launch Technical Authority, with the contract formalizing Arianespace’s role in deploying the new satellites, further strengthening Europe’s space autonomy. This milestone comes ahead of three other launches (L14, L15, and L16) that will complete the first-generation Galileo constellation.
From left to right: Mr. Cavaillolès (CEO Arianespace), Director for Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation Mr. Kautz (DG DEFIS), and Mr. Ranzo (CEO Avio) at the 17th European Space Conference.
Engaging with new launcher providers
During the Conference, the European Commission has organized a B2B pitching session to further support the European access-to-space ecosystem. The event has brought together EU launch service providers and potential customers, fostering connections and promoting future collaboration within the industry.
Representatives from Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, HyImpulse, PLD Space, Maiaspace, and Latitude presented their launch solutions, many of which are currently under development and expected to become operational in the near future. These innovative European launch services aim to provide competitive and reliable options for institutional and commercial customers alike. The European Commission call on both institutional and commercial actors to prioritize European launch services, emphasizing the need to build a resilient and sustainable space ecosystem.
Within this framework, the European Space Agency (ESA), on behalf of the European Commission, has taken a bold step to accelerate innovation in space technologies with the signing of a series of contracts for In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) services. These agreements, formalized the 17th European Space Conference, mark a significant milestone in ensuring rapid and reliable access to space for cutting-edge European technologies.
The dual efforts of signing IOD/IOV contracts and organizing the B2B pitching event demonstrate the European Commission’s comprehensive approach to advancing the continent’s space capabilities. By investing in both innovative satellite technologies and launch services, the Commission is paving the way for a more competitive, independent, and innovative European space sector.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Europe as a leader in the global space race, fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration across the entire space ecosystem. With these bold steps, the European Commission is ensuring that the European space industry remains at the forefront of technological advancement and global competitiveness.
Details
- Publication date
- 28 January 2025
- Department
- Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space