What is the EU Space Act?
The EU Space Act is a legislative initiative by the European Commission that introduces a harmonised framework for space activities across the Union. The proposal, launched on 25 June 2025, aims to ensure safety, resilience, and environmental sustainability, while boosting the competitiveness of the EU space sector.
Europe’s current regulatory landscape is fragmented—13 different national approaches increase complexity and costs for businesses. The EU Space Act will create a single market for space activities, making it easier for companies, particularly start-ups and SMEs, to grow and operate across borders.
What will the EU Space Act do?
The proposal is structured around three key pillars:
- Safety
The Act introduces robust rules for tracking space objects and mitigating space debris, preserving Europe’s secure and uninterrupted access to space. - Resilience
Tailored cybersecurity requirements will strengthen protection of European space infrastructure and ensure business continuity. - Sustainability
Operators will need to assess and reduce the environmental impact of their space activities, while benefiting from support for innovation in emerging technologies like in-orbit servicing and debris removal.
The new rules will apply to both EU and non-EU operators providing space services in Europe. Proportional requirements will be scaled based on company size and risk profile, ensuring a fair, innovation-friendly regulatory environment.
Support for Industry and Member States
A targeted support package will help businesses and Member States transition smoothly. Special attention is given to reducing administrative burdens and facilitating compliance, especially for start-ups, SMEs and small mid-caps.
Next Steps
The legislative proposal will be negotiated under the ordinary legislative procedure by the European Parliament and the Council.
Background
The European Commission has identified the EU Space Act as a key priority, as outlined in the Draghi and Letta reports, and more recently in the Competitiveness Compass and the Commission work programme for 2025.
The need for such a legislative initiative was also reflected in two recent Joint Communications: the EU Approach for Space Traffic Management and the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, echoing Member States’ calls for establishing, through a coherent and stable regulatory framework, an internal market for space activities.