The European Commission has proposed ambitious new measures to make Europe’s space sector cleaner, safer and more competitive.
Europe’s space rules are currently fragmented, holding back innovation, reducing the European market share and creating extra costs. An EU harmonised framework would ensure safety, resilience, and environmental responsibility, while helping companies grow and scale up across borders.
The EU Space Act aims to cut red tape, protect space assets, and create a fair, predictable playing field for businesses. It is based on 3 pillars:
- Safety: new rules for tracking space objects and limiting new debris, preserving Europe’s secure and uninterrupted access to space
- Resilience: tailored cybersecurity requirements to strengthen the 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-space servicing to extend satellite life and reduce debris.
The new rules would apply to both EU and non-EU operators offering services in Europe. Support will be offered to mitigate potential costs for the industry.
Alongside the EU Space Act, the Commission has also presented a Vision for the European Space Economy to tackle the evolving global space economy and the challenges posed by international competition and geopolitical tensions. The legislative proposal will be negotiated in the European Parliament and the Council, as part of the ordinary legislative procedure.
The space economy and the EU Space Act are a key priority for the Commission, as outlined in the Draghi and Letta reports, and more recently in the Competitiveness Compass and the Commission work programme for 2025.
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