(Tiper Stock Exchange) – The European Commission and the High Representative they present communication for the first time joint on European space strategy for security and defence.
THE EU space systems and services – it is emphasized – they are fundamental for the functioning of our society and economy, as well as for security and defence. As such, the EU has identified it space as a strategic domain and, in the current geopolitical context of growing assertion of power and intensification of threats, it is acting to protect its space assets, defend its interests, discourage hostile activities in space and strengthen its strategic position and autonomy.
The strategy wants put into practice what has already been defined with the EU strategic compassadopted less than a year ago, which defined space, cyberspace and maritime space as strategic domains, the security of which must be guaranteed.
The strategy outlines the major threats that endanger space systems and their ground infrastructure and, with a view to increasing understanding of the threats in all Member States, the High Representative will prepare an annual reviewdrawing also on the intelligence of the Member States.
There strategy proposes actions to strengthen resilience and protect space systems and services in the EU. To this end, the Commission will consider the possibility of: adopt a European space law to provide a common framework for safety, security and sustainability in space; set up an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) to raise awareness and facilitate exchange within the European institutions; start preparatory work for ensure autonomous EU access to space in the long term also for security and defense needs; strengthen the technological sovereignty of the EUreducing strategic dependencies and ensuring security of supply of space and defense equipment, in close coordination with the European Defense Agency and the European Space Agency.
The strategy outlines concrete measures to mobilize the equipment Europe and respond to space threats. In this direction, the possibility of extending the protection mechanism currently used for the Galileo program to all EU space systems and services, the possibility of better identify space objects detect inappropriate behavior in orbit and protect EU assets and the ability to carry out space exercisesincluding with partners, to test and further develop the EU’s response capability to space threats.
The strategy proposes to maximize the use of space for security and defense purposes. Developing dual-use services requires taking into account defense needs.
The Commission has also decided to launch two pilot projects: one to test the provision of space services by the Member States and a second per test a new Earth observation service as an evolution of the Copernicus programme. In this direction, activities will be carried out aimed at bring out synergies and allow one collaboration between public bodies and start-ups in the field of research. For its part, the EU will strengthen its engagement in multilateral fora and promote responsible norms, rules and principles of behavior in space.
The strategy will deepen the current cooperation in matters of space security, in particular with the United Statesand will expand the trade with other partnersincluding the NATO and other countries driven by the same principles. The Commission and the High Representative will soon present to the Member States the first steps for the implementation of the strategy and will report annually to the Council on the progress achieved and on possible further actions.
(Photo: Photo by NASA on Unsplash)