Brussels, 28 January 2025
Today and tomorrow, the EU Commission is represented in the European Space Conference in Brussels with the participation of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas as well as Commissioners Andrius Kubilus, Costas Kadis and Ekatherina Zaharieva.
Today, Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, held a speech (available on EBS) on a series of major initiatives showing Europe’s leadership in the evolving space sector.
Tomorrow, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas will deliver an opening address on the EU’s work in Space Security and Defence at 14:00 CET, which will be available on EBS.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space said:
Space is the foundation of Europe’s security, economy, and technological sovereignty. With our initiatives, we are ensuring that Europe not only competes but leads in the global space arena—sustainably, innovatively, and collaboratively.”
Key EU flagship programmes, including Galileo, Copernicus, SSA, and GOVSATCOM, will see accelerated enhancements in the near future. Copernicus will expand with Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-2C satellites, along with a CO2 monitoring mission (CO2M) to support the EU’s energy and climate policies. Galileo will roll out advanced navigation services like the Public Regulated Service (PRS) and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA).
The future launch of the first pair of second-generation Galileo satellites, will mark a significant milestone for the EU’s Galileo navigation constellation. The IRIS² connectivity system is rapidly progressing, and EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EUSST) now supports over 500 satellites while expanding services to more than 200 organizations. The EU is also strengthening its efforts on Space Security and Defence, building on the EU’s strategy that recognises space as a strategic domain, with a focus on threat awareness and response, increasing the resilience of space infrastructure, using space capabilities for security on the ground, and partnerships with NATO, US and others.
These efforts underscore Europe’s determination to remain at the forefront of space technology, securing its leadership in the global space arena and ensure that Space remains secure.
More information on EU space initiatives is available here.
EU Commissioner Kubilius’s Speech at the European Space Conference
Brussels, 28 January 2025
[Introduction]
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am proud to be here as the European Union’s first-ever dedicated Commissioner for Space. Together with you, the leaders of Europe’s space community, including the Director-General of the European Space Agency and the President of Eurospace, we have already had inspiring conversations.
This gathering brings together leaders from governments, industry, the Union, and Member States, as well as representatives from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway. Over the years, you have shaped Europe into a global space power—a power we leverage to improve people’s lives.
[Celebrating Europe’s Achievements in Space]
We have many reasons to be proud of Europe’s accomplishments:
- Galileo: The world’s best satellite navigation system.
- Copernicus: The world’s best Earth observation system.
- IRIS2: Soon to become the world’s best space-based connectivity system, with the concession contract signed just weeks ago.
Recent milestones include:
- The inaugural launch of Ariane 6 last summer.
- The return of Vega-C to the launchpad by year-end.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of industry, Member States, and the European Space Agency, Europe has regained its autonomous access to space. Europe is back, and we, Europeans, can be proud of our achievements.
[A Critical Crossroads]
While we rank among the top globally in satellite launches and industry revenue, we are at a critical juncture. Maintaining our lead in space requires bold and decisive actions. The space economy is poised to transform lives, akin to how trains defined the 19th century and cars and planes defined the 20th century.
Reflecting on the future, I see the 21st century as belonging to space. The United States is eyeing Mars, and Europe must lead the way in this space revolution—a revolution that promises superfast satellite internet, precise navigation, in-space manufacturing, energy solutions, and even space tourism.
[Challenges to Overcome]
However, we face significant challenges:
- Supply chains have been disrupted by COVID-19 and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- Commercial sales, exports, and profits are declining.
- Public spending on space remains too low and fragmented.
Mario Draghi’s report highlights these painful realities. Without action, we risk stagnation and decline, which is unacceptable. The future belongs to space, and Europe must remain a leading space power.
[Five Strategic Priorities for Europe in Space]
1. Strengthen Space Flagships
We will continue to develop and deploy our space flagships. This year, we will:
- Deploy four additional sentinel satellites for Copernicus.
- Activate Galileo’s authentication service to enhance cybersecurity.
- Accelerate the implementation of IRIS2.
Our goal is to roll out all planned services of Galileo, Copernicus, Space Situational Awareness, and government satellite communications within this mandate.
2. Foster a Competitive Space Industry
To ensure competitiveness, we will:
- Propose an EU Space Law to create a single market for space.
- Launch an EU Space Industrial Strategy to support research, innovation, and commercialisation.
- Strengthen supply chains and export markets.
3. Ensure Autonomous Access to Space
Autonomous access to space is vital for Europe’s strategic autonomy. We need:
- Cooperation and competition among the EU, Member States, ESA, and industry.
- A long-term vision for European launchers.
- An aggregation platform to streamline launch service demand.
4. Enhance Space Capabilities for Defence
As both Commissioner for Space and Defence, I emphasize the importance of:
- Intelligence data from space for modern military defence.
- Strengthening EU intelligence structures and capabilities.
- Implementing the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence.
Key initiatives include activating Galileo’s Public Regulated Service, enhancing Earth observation systems, and developing autonomous space situational awareness.
5. Boost Investment
We must align investments across European, private, and national levels. The upcoming ESA Ministerial Council will be crucial to maximizing the impact of our investments. Together, we will define where we want Europe to be in space by 2040.
[A Vision for Europe]
Europe has not yet reached its apogee. To lead in space, we must change our trajectory by uniting forces across the Commission, Member States, ESA, and industry. Political leadership from the European Union will be essential to ensure the wellbeing, prosperity, and security of our people.
Let us move forward together. The future belongs to space, and Europe must lead the way.
Source – EU Commission (strcutured and edited)
Keynote Address by Commissioner Kadis at the 17th European Space Conference, on the Importance of Space observations for Maritime Affairs & Fisheries
Brussels, 28 January 2025
“Check against delivery”
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s sessions have highlighted the crucial role of marine knowledge in unlocking the sustainable potential of our seas and oceans. At the core of this understanding are observation and data.
Satellite data are increasingly vital in our daily lives, influencing transportation, security and telecommunications. Beyond these, Earth observation products are indispensable for enhancing marine knowledge, maritime security and ensuring sustainable management of our marine environment.
Satellite data, especially from the Copernicus, are vital in delivering on the environmental, economic and digital objectives of the EU Green Deal. For example, they are crucial for marine protection and support sustainable fisheries management.
As space innovation advances, we anticipate even higher quality data, crucial for adapting to climate change challenges like rising sea levels.
As a scientist, I understand the value of the space data we receive from Copernicus services – they are essential for monitoring ocean temperature, sea level rises and coastal erosion.
In times of rapid climate change, such metrics guide science and politics toward effective, evidence-driven strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Marine observation underpins the EU International Ocean Governance Agenda, which rests on the pillars of ensuring security and safety at sea and building marine knowledge.
Our commitment to this agenda extends internationally, enhancing long-term ocean observation systems in areas beyond national jurisdiction and in the global south.
Globally, Copernicus significantly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG14 on Life Below Water – a goal that needs accelerated implementation.
From tracking whales to monitoring phytoplankton blooms, marine litter and sea levels, satellite services offer vast contributions worldwide.
The recent UN Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, or BBNJ, is good news for the ocean and for multilateralism. It promises to redefine how the ocean is governed in the high seas and will likely influence several areas of our work, areas where Copernicus proves invaluable.
Observations from Copernicus also aid in designation, monitoring and assessment of marine protected areas in the high seas and assist in the preparation of environmental impact assessments mandated by the BBNJ Agreement.
Marine observation is also central to implementing key EU legislation, such as the Common Fisheries Policy, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive.
Marine knowledge remains central to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, with DG MARE playing a pivotal role through the European Marine Observation and Data Network, or EMODnet, ensuring free access to valuable marine data.
Our collaboration with DEFIS and the Copernicus Marine Service aims to expand and unify marine knowledge, supporting the Digital and Green transitions. Satellite data, forecasting services provided through Copernicus Marine and in-situ data services provided through EMODnet are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
The European Commission’s Digital Strategy, the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 and the activities under the umbrella of the European Digital Twin Ocean emphasise this commitment to marine knowledge services and advancing our understanding of ocean systems.
By integrating existing fields of knowledge, pushing frontiers in biology, bridging socio-economic boundaries and linking knowledge across disciplines, the European Digital Twin Ocean will be key to better understanding ocean systems.
Our vision is an inclusive forward-looking policy for a healthy, resilient ocean, a sustainable blue economy and a comprehensive marine knowledge and research agenda. My services are already working on the Oceans Pact, engaging with stakeholders to ensure its broad and effective implementation. In that respect I would note the ongoing call for evidence on the Oceans pact and would invite you to share your views and perspective. I would also invite you to join the European Ocean Days that will take place during the first week of March.
In closing, I extend my gratitude to our partners in the space community for their support and collaboration.
Let’s unite our efforts to build a future where marine knowledge is accessible and actionable science, policy and society.
Source – EU Commission
Keynote Address by Commissioner Kadis during the signature of the agreement between the European Space Agency and Mercator Ocean International at the 17th European Space Conference
Brussels, 28 January 2025
“Check against delivery”
Ladies and gentlemen,
This next session will address a vital topic: the Space and Ocean dialogue. And it is marked by the signature of the agreement of cooperation between Mercator Ocean International and the European Space Agency.
Satellite data, primarily from Copernicus services, are crucial in safeguarding our marine environments, and enhancing maritime security. The Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries along with its partners, leverage these services extensively.
For instance, satellite surveillance bolstered by Copernicus Services, helps tackle piracy, smuggling, and illegal waste dumping, but also supports marine knowledge advancements.
Through collaboration with agencies, like the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), Copernicus technologies aid in developing tools essential for fisheries control, protecting valuable marine living resources.
Copernicus services underpin the EU Digital twin Ocean, providing open, free and standardised marine data.
By working together and in collaboration with others, Copernicus Marine and the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODNET), convert data into actionable insights for sustainable management and development.
Today’s agreement between Mercator Ocean International and the European Space Agency underscores the vital roles of collaboration in these endeavours. This partnership is a significant step forward, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and innovation.
By working together and using complementary strengths, we advance digital services for marine knowledge. As we move forward, leveraging the strengths of Copernicus Marine Service and EMODnet, alongside the coordinated efforts of DG DEFIS and DG MARE, will be crucial.
Together, we can make substantial progress in advancing digital services for marine knowledge, ensuring our oceans are protected and utilised sustainably.
Let us seize this momentum to drive a positive change and forge a resilient, informed future for our oceans.
Thank you!
Source – EU Commission