The European Commission (EC) is set to propose a bill aimed at creating a single space market, according to European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius. This proposed market will pave the way for economic activities in low Earth orbit (LEO), including advancements in tourism, artificial intelligence, energy, and mineral extraction. Kubilius forecasts that these economic activities will triple in the next decade.
The EU is currently a global leader in providing orbital coverage for navigation and surveillance, but Kubilius stressed the need for additional investment to retain this advantage. He emphasized that the EU should not rely on foreign countries for its space projects. “We must be independent in space; this is extremely important for our strategic independence. We must not depend on the missiles of foreign countries, we must have launch sites from our land, we need to increase our space defense capabilities,” Kubilius urged.
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Kubilius also raised concerns about Russia’s potential ability to confront NATO countries soon, highlighting the critical role space will play in defense, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He pointed out that the EU is working on a secure satellite system to exchange government information and protect this network.
As the EU continues to enhance its space program, Kubilius called for more funding to sustain its leadership in space exploration, including attracting private investments. He noted that European space projects have already improved the lives of billions globally, but bold steps are required to secure the future of the continent’s space capabilities.
