“To defend ourselves using space, to defend space itself, we need to see as strategic priority for us to stay in the lead of both civilian and military use of space”, Commissioner Kubilius.
The European Union in Space
The Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space(DG DEFIS) develops and implements the EU space policy and programmes to address Europe’s most pressing challenges — including competitiveness, security and defence, technological sovereignty and sustainable growth.
We implement the EU Space Programme, the Secure Connectivity Programme and the space part of Horizon Europe. We are at the centre of Europe’s space ambition, shaping and enforcing the regulatory framework for EU space activities. We ensure that Europe’s space policy remains aligned with broader Union priorities.
The Union's first ever Space Programme
The EU Space Programme is the first integrated space programme created by the European Union to support its space policy, address societal challenges. The European Space Programme implements space activities in the fields of Earth Observation, Satellite Navigation, Secure communications and Space Safety. Complemented by Horizon Europe, it encourages and supports innovation and competitiveness through investments in critical infrastructures and disruptive technologies.
Discover the EU Space Programme components
Europe's Eye's on Earth
Satellite navigation, made in Europe
Europe's regional satellite navigation system
Robust satellite communications for governmental users
Europe's eyes on space
The Union’s space-based secure connectivity programme
IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is the European Union’s flagship secure connectivity programme, designed to strengthen strategic autonomy and resilience in communications. It provides secure, reliable satellite-based services for governments, businesses and citizens, supporting critical infrastructure, crisis management, and connectivity in underserved areas.
The EU Value in Space
These programmes provide essential data and services for a wide range of applications, including climate monitoring, disaster management, sustainable agriculture, secure connectivity, transport safety, energy efficiency and digital innovation. By enabling informed decision-making and new commercial opportunities, the EU space activities contribute directly to sustainable prosperity, security and defence
The Union also implements activities in the fields of space research, innovation and technologies, access to space, market uptake and international relations. It encourages and supports innovation and competitiveness.
The European Parliament and the Council are currently working on new legislative proposals from the European Commission, in particular the proposal for an EU Space Act and a proposal for a European Competitiveness Fund Regulation (2028–2034) covering space.
EU Space Governance
The European Parliament and the Council establish the EU space policy and programmes, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.
The programme is implemented by the European Commission in cooperation with key European partners, including the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), alongside EU Member States and a wide network of public and private stakeholders.
EU Space Programme websiteThe EU Space programme delivers services that make your life easier, safer, and more sustainable. Space activities serve communities around the world, promoting smart solutions and helping us to protect our planet.