Amid growing geopolitical tensions and a rapidly expanding global space economy, European nations are intensifying their focus on space as a critical domain for security, economic stability, and technological independence. Recent policy initiatives and increased defense commitments highlight a strategic shift to ensure Europe can protect its interests in this increasingly contested environment.
The domain of space, once primarily a field for scientific exploration, now underpins essential aspects of modern life, from global communications and financial transactions to national defense. As more nations and private companies develop space capabilities, ensuring its safe and sustainable use has become a paramount concern for policymakers in Brussels and across the continent.
Key Takeaways
- Europe is increasing its focus on space as a critical security domain, driven by geopolitical shifts like the war in Ukraine and a strained transatlantic relationship.
- The global space economy, valued at $630 billion in 2023, is projected to reach at least $1.8 trillion by 2035, creating both opportunities and competition.
- The European Union has launched major initiatives, including the EU Space Act and the appointment of a Commissioner for Defense and Space, to build a cohesive strategy.
- International cooperation and competition are shaping space governance, with Europe largely aligning with the U.S.-led Artemis Accords against China's rival initiative.
A New Arena for Global Competition
Modern security challenges are no longer limited to traditional battlefields. The spectrum of threats has expanded to include cyberspace, undersea infrastructure, and emerging environments like the Arctic. Among these, space has rapidly transformed from a scientific pursuit into a vital component of national power and economic prosperity.
The future envisioned for space is ambitious, with concepts like permanent lunar bases, asteroid mining, and manned missions to Mars moving closer to reality. This expansion means that space will be populated not just by astronauts, but by engineers, architects, and farmers—professions necessary to build and sustain off-world societies. For these future endeavors to succeed, a foundation of security and stability is essential.
The Booming Space Economy
The economic importance of space is growing exponentially. According to industry analysis, the space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023. Projections estimate it will expand to at least $1.8 trillion by 2035, underscoring the high stakes involved in securing this domain.
This growth has also made space a more crowded and contested domain. Today, approximately 90 countries have the industrial capacity and strategic motivation to engage in space activities. This proliferation of actors, combined with the rise of influential private companies, adds new layers of complexity to space governance and security.
Geopolitical Shifts Drive European Defense Policy
For Europe, the urgency to bolster its defense and security posture has increased significantly. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 marked the return of large-scale conventional warfare to the continent, forcing a fundamental reassessment of strategic priorities for governments and citizens alike.
At the same time, the relationship between Europe and the United States has faced periods of strain. This has prompted the European Union to accelerate its efforts toward achieving greater strategic autonomy, particularly in defense and technology.
NATO and EU Bolster Defense Commitments
In response to the changing security landscape, European nations have taken concrete steps to strengthen their collective defense. These actions include:
- NATO Expansion: Finland and Sweden joined the alliance in 2023 and 2024, respectively, ending long-standing policies of neutrality.
- Increased Spending: At the 2025 Hague NATO Summit, member states committed to allocating 5% of their GDP to defense spending.
- EU Defense Strategy: In March 2025, the EU introduced its White Paper for European Defense – Readiness 2030, a plan to address critical capability gaps and strengthen the continent's defense industrial base.
These terrestrial defense initiatives are increasingly linked with space. Acknowledging this connection, the EU formally combined the two domains by appointing Andrius Kubilius as its first Commissioner for Defense and Space in 2024. This move signals a clear recognition that security on Earth is inextricably tied to assets in orbit.
Forging a Cohesive European Space Strategy
To navigate the complexities of the modern space era, European institutions have been developing a comprehensive framework built on safety, resilience, and sustainability. In June 2025, the EU unveiled the EU Space Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to create common rules for space activities across the bloc. NATO complemented this with its own Overarching Space Policy, aimed at better integrating space capabilities into allied operations.
The European Space Agency (ESA), a key player in the continent's space efforts, also outlined its long-term vision. In early 2025, ESA released its Strategy 2040 roadmap, which focuses on five primary objectives:
- Protecting the planet and its climate.
- Advancing scientific exploration.
- Strengthening European autonomy in space.
- Boosting the competitiveness of its space industry.
- Inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The Rise of Private Actors
The role of private companies has become a defining feature of the new space age. Companies like SpaceX now operate massive satellite constellations, providing critical services and wielding significant influence. SpaceX's Starlink network, with over 7,600 satellites, delivers internet services to more than 130 countries.
The use of Starlink in Ukraine has highlighted the dual-use nature of commercial satellite technology, sparking international debate over the role of private firms in armed conflicts. This has created new challenges for governments seeking to regulate and control critical space infrastructure.
This issue became particularly relevant in Europe when Italy proposed a $1.8 billion deal with Starlink. The proposal faced political opposition because it threatened to sideline the EU's own developing satellite constellation, IRIS², and was subsequently put on hold. The incident underscored the tension between national interests and collective European strategic goals.
Navigating a Contested Governance Landscape
As activity in space increases, the need for clear rules and norms of behavior becomes more pressing. The primary framework for international cooperation is the Artemis Accords, a set of non-binding principles led by the United States to promote safe and sustainable space exploration. Since their introduction in 2020, the Accords have gained widespread support, with 56 nations having signed on by July 2025, including 27 European countries.
However, this framework is not universally accepted. China is leading a competing initiative, the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is backed by 17 nations. This bifurcation in space governance reflects broader geopolitical rivalries on Earth.
Key European Space Players
- France: A long-time leader in European space activities, France established its Space Command in 2009, a decade before the U.S. Space Force was created.
- European Space Agency (ESA): Headquartered in Paris, ESA is central to coordinating a unified European space policy and fostering collaboration among member states.
To foster innovation and maintain competitiveness, Europe is also strengthening its collaboration with the private sector. In January 2025, the ESA launched the ESA Investment Network to connect space-related startups with private capital, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing a vibrant commercial space ecosystem.
The Critical Path Forward for Europe
While space may feel distant to many, it is deeply integrated into the fabric of modern society. Everything from GPS navigation and financial banking to weather forecasting and social media relies on space-based assets. Any significant conflict on Earth would almost certainly extend into space, potentially disrupting global communications, commerce, and security.
Europe has taken important steps to address these challenges with the appointment of a dedicated commissioner, the adoption of the EU Space Act, and the publication of long-term strategic roadmaps. However, maintaining momentum is crucial. Sustained investment in research, technology, and policy development is necessary to ensure these initiatives translate into tangible capabilities.
As the rules for governing space are still being written, Europe stands at a critical juncture. By continuing to invest, innovate, and foster international partnerships, the continent can play a leading role in shaping a safe, stable, and cooperative future in the final frontier. Failure to do so risks leaving Europe dependent on the decisions and technologies of other global powers.