DIVERIS meeting calls for diversity and inclusion to become a core strategy in Europe’s space and defence sectors

The DIVERIS Annual Meeting 2026 has highlighted a clear shift in thinking across Europe’s space and defence sectors: diversity and inclusion can no longer be treated as a side effort or a box ticking exercise, but need to be part of core strategy, governance and investment decisions.

Held on 7 May 2026 in Brussels during EU Diversity Month, the hybrid event brought together 352 participants from 23 EU Member States. More than 125 organisations took part, spanning industry, space agencies, research bodies, government, universities and civil society. Over 20 organisations contributed as speakers. The programme included four panel discussions, three keynote speeches and a Marketplace of Ideas showcasing 12 diversity and inclusion initiatives.

From reporting to real impact

A central theme running through the meeting was that diversity and inclusion can no longer sit in the background as reporting or communications activity. Increasingly, they are being recognised as part of how organisations build capability, shape leadership, compete in the market and plan for long term resilience.

In other words, inclusion is moving from something “nice to have” to something that directly affects how well organisations perform.

What the discussions highlighted

Across the sessions, several clear messages came through. Representation on its own is not enough if it does not translate into real decision-making power. There was also a strong emphasis on the difference between measuring activity and measuring impact, with participants calling for more meaningful ways to assess progress.

Intersectionality was described as a governance issue, not an optional layer on top of gender policies. Speakers also underlined the need for organisations to communicate their purpose, not just their technical strengths, if they want to attract and keep diverse talent.

A moment of opportunity for Europe

With investment in Europe’s space and defence sectors continuing to grow, participants noted both opportunity and risk. Expansion could help reshape the sector, but without intentional action it could also lock in existing inequalities at a larger scale.

Deputy Director General for Defence Industry and Space, Lorena Boix Alonso, captured the point simply: “Diversity is not charity. It is smart economics.”

Report published and next steps

A full report from the meeting has now been published by the DIVERIS Secretariat, setting out the key findings and recommendations for action across the sector.

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The network is also calling on governments, industry, EU agencies, companies, universities, non-profit organisations and individuals to get involved. Members can join as facilitators, supporting and promoting inclusion, or as trailblazers, putting diversity and inclusion actions into practice. More information is available via the Diversity and Inclusion Network, and participants are encouraged to join the next DIVERIS Lab, which will take place online on 25 June, where the DIVERIS Annual Meeting 2026 Report will be presented.