The new European Union commissioner for space, Andrius Kubilius, has outlined his key priorities for the sector. His focus will be on strengthening European competitiveness and security in space, a crucial element of which is the passage of a long-overdue space law.
Kubilius officially assumed his role as European Commissioner for Defence and Space on Dec. 1, following his confirmation by the European Parliament on Nov. 27. His five-year term will see him manage a portfolio that merges defense and space issues, a shift from the previous commission where space fell under the internal market commissioner.
“Europe must be part of this space revolution. However, we are confronted with a new set of challenges,” he stated during a Nov. 6 confirmation hearing. He highlighted challenges such as insufficient funding, a fragmented regulatory landscape across European nations, and significant security risks.
He pledged to maintain key EU space programs: the Copernicus Earth observation constellation, the Galileo navigation system, and the new IRIS² secure broadband constellation. He also committed to “enhancing their capabilities to provide special governmental services for our security needs.”
Kubilius detailed five new European space initiatives: improving access to space, passing a new space law, fostering the competitiveness of the European space industry, planning for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) with increased ambition, and countering growing threats to space assets. He believes these initiatives will secure “European leadership in space, thereby enhancing our technological sovereignty, competitiveness and our security and defense capabilities and, ultimately, our strategic autonomy.”
While providing few specifics, he indicated the need for more funding. “We are spending two billion [euros] per year, which is really a very small amount,” he noted. “I see a challenge that, in the next MFF, we need to have larger numbers. I cannot predict what.”
A recurring theme was the need for autonomous European access to space, hampered by a “launcher crisis” forcing reliance on SpaceX’s Falcon 9. “We are bad in launching satellites, but we are good in Galileo and Copernicus and we shall be very good also in IRIS²,” he acknowledged. His solution involves bringing in new players through initiatives like the European Launcher Initiative and ESA’s commercial cargo spacecraft program, comparing it to NASA’s 2006 Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. “We are moving. I don’t know how quickly we can do it.”
This suggests a greater EU role in launch, traditionally handled by ESA. While Kubilius didn't address ESA cooperation directly, Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s director general, reported a positive initial interaction with Kubilius and expressed eagerness for collaboration. “The first interaction was a very positive one, a very constructive one,” Aschbacher said. “I look forward to very good collaboration in the future.” “I’m more than happy and willing to advise and be available for any support that is required,” he added. “It’s also necessary for Europe to make sure that we work hand-in-hand together.”
Kubilius stressed the importance of the EU space law, delayed until after the June European elections. “The space law is crucial,” he emphasized, citing concerns about fragmentation from varying national laws. He expects the law's release in the first half of 2025, aiming to establish “rules of the road” and a single internal market for space, potentially setting global standards. Industry officials have expressed interest in provisions addressing satellite deorbiting within five years and promoting active debris removal.