Space-based secure connectivity and new space: a European industrial path towards sovereignty and innovation

The EU is acting on its space ambitions by addressing two pressing issues: space-based secure connectivity and Space Traffic Management. Space technology is essential to facilitating our daily lives and contributing to a more digital, green and resilient future for our planet.

The EU's Space Programme already provides valuable data and services for a wide array of daily applications, in support of transport, agriculture, crisis response or the fight against climate change, among many others.

However, the EU’s space policy needs to constantly evolve and adapt to new challenges to continue enjoying the benefits space brings to our citizens. These new proposals will help safeguard the efficiency and security of our current assets, while developing cutting-edge space technology to strengthen the European space power.

The need for a secure and resilient global connectivity increases with the digitisation of the economy and society, and the increasing geopolitical and cybersecurity threats.

The Commission has therefore proposed an ambitious plan for an EU space-based secure communication system that will:

• ensure worldwide uninterrupted access to secure and cost-effective satellite communication services for the protection of critical infrastructures, surveillance, external actions and crisis management
• allow for the provision of commercial services by the private sector that can enable access to advanced, reliable and fast connections to all citizens and businesses across Europe