Skip to main content
European Commission logo
en
Defence Industry and Space

DAY 1 - 26 May 2026

EU Space days banner - Cyprus

For physical attendance

Register Now

26 May (Day 1)

  1. 08:30 - 10:00
    Registration & Welcome Coffee (Foyer)
  2. 10:00 - 10:30
    Welcome Addresses (Main Stage)

    EU Space Programme’s role in Europe’s strategic autonomy, innovation and growth. 

    Speakers: 

     

  3. 10:30 - 11:15
    From Earth to Orbit: Flying the EU Flag Higher (Main Stage)

    In a rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive global space sector , where does Europe stand? This high-level panel explores how Europe is strengthening its position across the entire space value chain, from cutting -edge ground infrastructure to next generation orbital capabilities. Focusing on EU space components, dual-use technologies, and autonomous and reliable access to space, speakers will share insights on boosting competitiveness and strategic autonomy, and on how Europe can reinforce its role as Europe’s leadership in space.

    Speakers:

    • Christoph Kautz - Director for Space Policy, Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation, European Commission (DEFIS)
    • Rodrigo da Costa, - Executive Director, EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
    • Javier Benedicto Ruiz - Director of Navigation, European Space Agency (ESA)
  4. 11:15-11:45
    (AGORA) Presentation of the EU Space Market Report

    This session will present how space-based services translate into real business opportunities. It highlights key market trends and provides a basis to discuss innovation, competitiveness, and upcoming opportunities across sectors.

    Speakers:

    • Fiammetta Diani - Head of Market Downstream and Innovation Department, EU Agency for the Space Programme
  5. 11:15 – 11:45
    Coffee break (Foyer)
  6. 11:45 – 12:30
    EU Space for a Stronger European Defence (Main Stage)

    This session will explore how the EU Space components strengthen Europe’s security and defence capabilities. In addition, it will cover initiatives such as the EU Defence readiness roadmap, highlighting Europe’s commitment to protect EU space assets, and to strengthen EU strategic posture and autonomy in space.

    Speakers:

    • Christoph Kautz - Director for Space Policy, Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation, European Commission (DEFIS)
    • Crista Huismann - Deputy Head of Space Division, European External Action Service (EEAS)
    • Stylianos Lampakis - General Major, Hellenic Ministry of Defence
    • Dr. Tasos Kounoudes - President, Cyprus Association of Research & Innovation Enterprises (CARIE) and the Cyprus Defence and Space Industry Cluster

     

    Moderated by: George Dimitriou, CY MoD adviser 

     

  7. 12:30 - 13:15
    Strengthening Europe’s Competitiveness and Resilience (Main Stage)

    This session will highlight how the EU Space components boost Europe’s industrial strength and strategic resilience today and in the years to come. Topics include the European Competitiveness Fund, showcasing Europe’s ambition to turn space innovation into tangible economic and societal benefits.

    Speakers:

    • Catherine Kavvada - Director for Secure and Connected Space, European Commission (DEFIS)
    • Jörg Migende - Managing Director, Deutscher Raiffeisenverband e.V.
    • Javier Izquierdo Martin, Strategy Director, HISPASAT 
    • Marco Aliberti - Associate Director of International Engagement, Partnerships & Education, European Space Policy Institute 
  8. 13:15 – 14:30
    Networking Lunch (Foyer)
  9. 14:30 – 14:45
    Inspirational speech (Main Stage)

    Speakers:

    • Evandros Theodosiou - Mechanical and Reliability Engineer, Amentum
    • Christos Charalambous  - Founder and Director, Altair Astronomy & Space, National Point of Contact for Cyprus, Space Generation Advisory Council
  10. 14:45 – 15:30
    Europe’s Space Sovereignty: From Raw Materials to Orbit (Main Stage)

    This session will explore how Europe can strengthen its space industrial base, reduce vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains, and support sustainable growth of the space economy. Discussions will address policy initiatives, industrial capabilities, and partnerships needed to safeguard Europe’s technological leadership while ensuring secure access to space and long-term economic resilience.

    Speakers:

  11. 15:30 – 16:15
    EU Space Act: Strengthening Safety, Resilience and Sustainability in Space (Main Stage)

    This session will explore the EU Space Act and its role in regulating and promoting Europe’s space activities. Discussions will focus on fostering innovation, ensuring safety and sustainability in orbit, and enabling a competitive and responsible European space sector.

  12. 15:30- 16:15
    (AGORA) Using Copernicus Data

    Copernicus World Heritage Hub

    Speakers:

    • Fiammetta Diani - Head of Market Downstream and Innovation Department, EU Agency for the Space Programme
    • Gunter Schreier - Free Consultant, Retired Deputy Director of the German Remote Sensing Data Center, German Aerospace Center
    • Silvia Bianchini - PhD -  Associate Professor, University of Florence, Program Coordinator For Science of the UNESCO Chair in Prevention and  sustainable management of geo-hydrological hazards, University of Florence
    • Dr. Kyriacos Themistocleous - External Affairs & Business Development Director, ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence
  13. 16:15 – 17:00
    Coffee Break (Foyer)
  14. 17:00 – 17:45
    From Space to Society: Supporting Crisis Response (Main Stage)

    Space technologies play a vital role in addressing societal challenges, from supporting crisis management to humanitarian response. This session will explore how satellite data and space-based services help governments, agencies, and organisations respond faster, plan better, and save lives.

    Speakers:

    • Tobias Biermann - Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space
    • Panayiotis Liassides - Assistant Director/Spokesperson, Cyprus Civil Defence
    • Captain (AF) Christos Kangas - Deputy Commander, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre)
    • Alexander Fuchs, Head of Sector- Eurosur Fusion Services/ Copernicus Programme Manager, Frontex

     

    Moderated by Tobias Biermann

  15. 17:00- 17:45
    (AGORA) EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST)

    Based on real-life examples, this session will showcase how the EU SST Collision Avoidance and Re-Entry services help keep assets in space and infrastructure on Earth safe. Participants will also learn how EU SST has evolved over ten years into one of the major space safety providers worldwide

    Speakers:

    • Laura Gandyra - Policy Coordinator, Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space
    • Vasilis Kapinas - Head of Satellite Communications Engineering, Research & Innovation, Hellas Sat
    • Daniel García Yárnoz - SST Operations Manager, EU Agency for the Space Programme
  16. 17:45 - 18:45
    Space Economy: From Vision to Growth (Main Stage)

    This session will explore how public administrations, companies and the financial sector can work together to tap into the European space economy potential.

    Speakers:

    • Dr. Maria Kalama - Managing Director, Open Cosmos Aegean
    • Novica Mrdovic Vianello - General Partner, MountainX
    • Ilias Alexopoulos – Representative, Cyprus Space Industry Association (CSIA)
    • Demetris Skourides - Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus
    • Fiametta Diani, Head of Market, Downstream and Innovation , European Agency for the Space programme
  17. 18:45 - 19:00
    Closing Remarks

    Andronikos Kakkouras - Acting Director of the Department of Electronic Communications


     

  18. 19:00 - 19:15
    Recap video - Search and Rescue Demo
  20. 19:15 – 22:00
    Cocktail organised by the Cyprus presidency of the council of the EU