Join us in Gdańsk for a two-day event full of #EUSpace
The EU Space Days is the most significant event of the European Union when it comes to space policy, business and innovation. Organised by the European Commission under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, this year’s edition lands in Gdańsk, a thriving hub for space. Adding to the city’s space credentials, Gdańsk is also home to the Polish Space Agency (POLSA).
A Gathering of Visionaries
EU Space Days 2025 will bring together key decision-makers, including representatives from the to European institutions alongside industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. The event will spotlight how businesses, governments, and society as a whole benefit from the EU Space Programme, and its components: Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, GOVSATCOM/IRIS² and Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
Business & Defence on the spotlight
This year’s conference takes on a fresh, business-driven approach, emphasizing how space technologies and satellite solutions can drive innovation across multiple industries. With a strong focus on fostering strategic partnerships between space companies and investors, the event will be held alongside InfoShare, the largest tech and startup conference in Central and Eastern Europe. This collaboration creates the perfect setting to showcase how space policy, New Space initiatives, downstream services, satellite data, and entrepreneurship are shaping the future.
- Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space
- Krzysztof Paszyk,Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland
- MEP Borys Budka, Chair of ITRE, European Parliament
- Dr. Marta Ewa Wachowicz, President of POLSA
About: An interactive discussion will explore the key achievements of the European space policy and the EU Space Programme. The session will also highlight global space policy trends and examine the EU’s strategic responses. Emphasis will be placed on Europe’s innovation within the global space sector, along with the most pressing actions needed moving forward.
Moderator: Ludwig Moeller, Director, European Space Policy Institute
Christoph Kautz, Director for Satellite Navigation & Earth Observation, European Commission (DEFIS)
Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director, EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
- Simonetta Cheli, Director for EO Programmes, European Space Agency
- Maciej Stadejek, Director Security and Defence Policy, European External Action Service (EEAS)
About: This panel will dive into the critical steps needed to boost the competitiveness and resilience of the EU space industry, spotlighting the forward-looking recommendations from the Letta and Draghi reports. It will also explore the EU’s efforts to shape a new Legal Space Framework—laying the groundwork for the future of Europe in space.
Moderator: Alex Cadier, TVP World Correspondent
- Dinka Dinkova, Deputy Head of Unit, Space Single Market, European Commission, European Commission (DEFIS)
- Christine Klein, Head of Industrial Policy and Auditing Department, European Space Agency
- Paweł Wojtkiewicz, President of the Polish Space Industry Association
- Laurynas Mačiulis, co-founder & CEO, Astrolight Space
- Kaupo Voormansik, CEO, KappaZeta
About: Presentation of the European initiatives and exchange with new space players.
Moderator: Alex Cadier, TVP World Correspondent
- Christoph Kautz, Director for Satellite Navigation & Earth Observation, European Commission (DEFIS)
- Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Director of Space Transportation, European Space Agency
- Maxence Bousard-Mitout, Business Development Manager, SpaceDreamS
- Elena Giglio, Institutional Relations Manager, D-Orbit
- Andrea Jaime,Institutional Business Development & Sales Manager, ISAR Aerospace
- Hugues Chopard, Sales & Public Affairs Manager, Sirus Space Services
Resuming soon
‘’The Role of Space in times of crises,’’ Oleh Bolsheshapov, Head of the International Projects Support Division at the International Relations Department of State Space Agency of Ukraine.
About: The contribution of the EU Space Programme and IRIS2 to security and defence focusing on the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence implementation and inversely the support of defence capabilities for Space.
Moderator: Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Downstream & Innovation Department, EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
- Christoph Morand, Adviser to DEFIS Director-General for Security of Information & Synergies between Space, Defence & Civil Synergies, European Commission (DEFIS)
- Contre-Amiral Christophe Merieult, French Space Command
- Michael Kniepen, Ministerial Adviser, Policy Division, Ministry of Defence
- Dinesh Rempling, Director of the Capability Transformation Division, FRONTEX
- Romain Lucken, CEO, ALDORIA
Resuming soon.
About: How to enable sufficient flexibility and agility to meet rapidly evolving and emerging needs of the EU.
Moderator: Alex Cadier, TVP World Correspondent
- Isabella Poldrugo, Head of Unit, European Commission (DEFIS)
- Paul Counet, Head of Strategy & International Relations, EUMETSAT
- Jose Maria Hermoso, EUSST Coordinator
- General Jorge Farré Basurte, Deputy Director, European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen)
- Monika Krzyzanowska, EARSC & CloudFerro Business Development Director
About: Discussing the progress made in the development of the constellation with focus on the initial services of GOVSATCOM and the subsequent IRIS2 ones, security of communications.
Moderator: Alex Cadier, TVP World Correspondent
- Jeremie Godet, Head of Unit, Secure Connectivity & Space Surveillance, European Commission (DEFIS)
- Laurent Jaffart, Director of Connectivity & Secure Communications, European Space Agency
- Ana María Molina Sánchez, Corporate General Director, HISPASAT
- Rafal Borek, Director, Department of Telecommunications & Navigation, Polish Space Agency
- Philippe Bertrand, Chair of the EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board
- Tero Pesonen, Board Vice Chair & Director, Critical Communications Broadband Group
Closing remarks of day one by Polish Presidency Representative.
The cocktail is reserved only for EU Space Days registered participants.
- Master of Ceremonies, Alex Cadier, International Correspondent
''One Space. Shared future'', Łukasz Wilczyński, President of the European Space Foundation / Chief Executive of IAC 2027 Poznań LOC
About: Discussing the coordinated use of satellite data for resilience purposes, with particular emphasis on crisis management, citizen protection and related technology (AI and machine learning algorithms) for security-related applications (emphasis on civil protection and crisis management)
Moderated by: Alex Cadier, TVP World Correspondent
- Anna Samsel, Head of Unit, European Commission (ECHO)
- Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Downstream and Innovation, EUSPA
- Jakub Ryzenko, Head of Crisis Information Centre, SRC PAS
- Adrian Holt, Co-Founder FloodWaive
About: The value of European investments (public, private, extra-EU, venture etc.) in space sector remains low and is unevenly distributed across the EU. This session should provide an overview of the situation in Europe and provide key conclusions or recommendations.
Moderated by: Justyna Redelkiewicz, Head of Section Entrepreneurship and Environment, EUSPA
- Ted Elvhage, Founding Partner @ Expansion Ventures & Chairman EBAN Space & Defence Executive Committee
- Novica Mrdovic-Vianello, Mountain X, dual-use defense and aerospace VC fund
- Krzysztof Kanawka, Ph.D. CEO Blue Dot Solutions, Space3ac Accelerator
- Stela Tkatchova, Ph.D. Programme Manager for Space Systems, EIC
- Gianluigi Baldesi, Head of the Ventures and Financing Office, European Space Agency
About: The increasing frequency of GNSS jamming and spoofing is a growing threat to critical infrastructure worldwide, particularly affecting aviation, maritime transport, autonomous systems, and emergency response services. As part of Galileo the EU is developing new services that can support in the detection of spoofing to ensure resilient PNT across the globe.
Moderator: Inaki Alcantarilla, European Commission (DEFIS)
- Gerhard Berz, Head of Navigation and Spectrum, Eurocontrol
- Krzysztof Bronk, Ph.D. Head of Department at National Institute of Telecommunications
- Artūras Kaminskas,Director Spectrum and Equipment Surveillance, Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania
- Jonathan Galic, Chief Technology Officer, Unseenlabs & provider of space-based RFI data
- Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, Astronaut (video message)
Opportunity for participants to network
AGORA Stage 27-28 May 2025
The space industry is soaring to new heights, fuelled by cutting-edge tech like reusable rockets, AI-driven satellites, and bold private investments. Emerging space companies are slashing costs and opening doors to game-changing markets, from in-orbit manufacturing to next-gen communications and Earth observation. At the AGORA Stage, a series of dynamic spin-off sessions will dive into the future of space business, research, innovation, and career opportunities—don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation!
Agenda 27 May 2025 (Agora)
Video Recording of Day 1
About: Join us for a quick dive into DIVERIS, the European Commission's Diversity and Inclusion network for the defence and space industries. DIVERIS is breaking down barriers, fostering equal opportunities, and championing inclusivity across these sectors. Together with partners from across Europe, we’re building a workplace culture where everyone, no matter their background, has the chance to contribute, grow, and lead.
Speaker:
- Vera Pinto, Equality & Policy Coordinator, European Commission (DEFIS)
About: A quick session on PEFCR, a key initiative addressing the growing need for sustainable space activities. PEFCR offers a standardized approach to assess environmental impacts, tackling space-specific challenges like complex supply chains and high-tech materials. Supporting the EU’s mission for safer, more resilient space exploration, this project fosters sustainability, transparency, and innovation across the industry.
Speaker:
- Vera Pinto, Equality & Policy Coordinator, European Commission (DEFIS)
About: Supporting space entrepreneurship is one of the key objectives of the EU Space Programme. This session will explore how initiatives like Cassini have made a difference for start-up companies in building their business strategies, enlarging their networks, and getting access to private investment. We will hear insights from investors on what else is needed to grow successful space entrepreneurs in Europe.
Moderator: Vera Pinto, Space Economy Unit DG DEFIS
- Wojciech Drewczyński, Operating Partner, Balnord
- Helena Milevych, Head of Products KP Labs
- Marek Marusin CEO & Co-founder, ZAITRA
- Prasanna Nagarajan, Chief Innovation at OQ Technology
- Wojciech Walniczek, Partner at OTB Ventures, DeepTech VC investor
Description: Members of the Student Council to the President of the Polish Space Agency will present its activities. For the past five years, the Council has been responsible for the integration of the student space sector in Poland. During the speech, members will present the history of the Council's development, its key activities and plans for the future.
Martyna Czudec, Gdańsk University of Technology PhD student | Founder and Supervisor of Astrophysics Science Club
About: Students from the SimLE Scientific Association at Gdańsk University of Technology will present their projects during this session. The talk highlights how theoretical knowledge in space technologies, engineering, and natural sciences is transformed into practical applications. It emphasizes a hands-on approach that fosters teamwork and collaboration with industry partners. Participants will see clear examples of student projects and learn about the skills developed throughout their implementation.
Speakers:
- Jakub Jabłoński
- Wiktor Bołtrukiewicz
- Szymon Krawczuk
About: CASSINI Matchmaking is taking 5 upstream space companies on stage to showcase their technologies, followed by a networking session connecting founders, investors & industry leaders.
Speakers:
- Laurynas Mačiulis, Astrolight
- Sebastian Klaus & Marta Oliveira , Atmos Space Cargo
- Oskar Zdunek & Mikołaj Podgórski, Scanway
- Sergei Vagin, Sets
- Monika Rangelova, Endurosat
About: The importance of EGNSS and Copernicus services and data is acknowledged in the Horizon Europe Strategic plan for 2021-24, which defines the key strategic orientations for the first four years of Horizon Europe. The Strategic Plan strongly encourages the use of Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus services and data in Horizon Europe. At the same time, technological advances in AI and Big Data Handling are revolutionising Earth Observation and SatCom and are offering new commercial opportunities for space systems. This session will explore opportunities and exchange of experiences within Horizon Europe with a view to further support impact-driven R&I in space, in both downstream and upstream sectors. Moreover, it will highlight success stories turning research to innovation and applications.
Moderated by Marko CURAVIC, Head of Unit HaDEA, Space Research
- Dr. Richard Engelen, Deputy Head, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), ECMWF
- Alexander Jacob, Vice Head of Institute, Institute for Earth Observation - openEO project
- Machi Simeonidou, Managing Director, AgroApps
- Eva Maria Haas, Head of Strategic Accounts, EOMAP
- Charles Galland, EUROSPACE
About: CASSINI Matchmaking is taking 5 downstream space companies on stage to showcase their technologies, followed by a networking session connecting founders, investors & industry leaders.
Speakers:
- Mathieu Carlier, EverImpact
- Adam Borowicz, ConstellR
- Joel Korsakissok, Syntony GNSS
- Morten Fjord Petersen, ClearSKY Vision
- Gopika Suresh, Marble Imaging
About: Europe is suffering from skills gaps across the economy, reinforced by a declining labour force. The session will stimulate a debate on existing EU space initiatives for upskilling and reskilling and how these can be expanded to make them more strategic and focused on emerging shortages, making education and training systems more responsive to gaps and evolving needs with the support of public and private stakeholders from the space ecosystem.
Moderator: Maria Vittoria D’Inzeo
- Annabel Egert, CASSINI Space Camp implementing partner
- Zoltan Hafner, Business Development Manager, Remred Ltd
- Dr Joanna Pyrkosz-Pacyna, AGH University of Science and Technology
- Regina Kozyra, EU Space Academy Mentor
About: Four new Horizon Europe projects on the evolution of the Copernicus services, funded under the call HORIZON-CL4-025-SPACE-01, have recently started. Meet the consortia to learn about how the projects will develop EO product candidates to support the evolution of the Copernicus Security Service and of the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service.
AI4COPESEC – Yann Guichoux, eOdyn
THEIA: Christos Kontopoulos, CTO, Geosystems Hellas
TERRA: Simone Mantovani, Managing Director, MEEO S.r.l.
CLMS-Cities – Zina Mitraka, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas
Attendance
The event will be held both physically and virtually. As the attendance capacity is limited, we strongly encourage you to register early.
The event will be livestreamed through our Official YouTube and LinkedIn Accounts.
Venue information
The EU Space Days 2025 will take place at the Amber EXPO located at Żaglowa 11, 80-560. Please use this entrance
About the city of Gdańsk
Gdansk is a city with a unique history, which has had a great impact on its contemporary landscape. For centuries it has been a melting pot where diverse cultures, peoples and traditions have formed a unique community.
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Get in touch
Need more information? Our organising committee is here to help you!
Drop an email at: defis-EU-SPACE-DAYS
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (defis-EU-SPACE-DAYS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) and we will get back to you as soon as possible.