Proposed by the European Commission in June 2025, the EU Space Act represents an important step towards a more coherent and robust European framework for space governance. Built around the core principles of safety, sustainability, and resilience, the proposal aims to address fragmentation across Europe’s regulatory landscape and establish a more harmonised approach to space activities.

As negotiations progress, this session will examine the current state of play of the EU Space Act and its place within the EU’s wider regulatory agenda. Panellists will explore how the proposal aligns with Europe’s strategic objectives on competitiveness, autonomy, and leadership in space, while also considering the political dynamics and operational challenges shaping its development. The discussion will also assess the implications of the Act for Europe’s role in international space governance at a time of accelerating global competition.

• What is the current state of play of the EU Space Act negotiations, and how has the proposal evolved since its introduction? Which priorities and concerns are emerging most clearly as discussions progress?
• How are key stakeholders (including ESA, Member States, national space agencies, industry, and international partners) interpreting the proposal? Where might national or sector priorities diverge from the EU’s overall direction?
• To what extent could the Act strengthen safety, sustainability, and resilience within Europe’s space ecosystem? Are additional measures likely to be needed?
• In the context of the EU’s broader regulatory simplification agenda, how might the Act support innovation and competitiveness without creating unnecessary burdens? Does the Act adequately articulate Europe’s long-term ambitions in space?
• Does the EU’s current regulatory approach keep pace with the speed, scale, and direction of international developments in the space sector? What are the risks if Europe’s regulatory framework fails to adapt quickly enough to evolving global dynamics?

Recent financial developments in Europe’s space sector signal a clear renewal of ambition. Significant increases to the ESA budget, notable funding increases across many Member States, and substantial proposed allocations within the EU’s 2028–2034 European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe instruments, together demonstrate the region’s intent to strengthen its space capabilities and ensure its autonomy accordingly.

With panellists reflecting on Europe’s ability to ensure its financial ecosystem effectively supports its long-term aspirations in space, this session will build on this momentum and assess the consequence of these funding commitments. Discussion will focus on the above developments before reflecting on the alignment of public and private capital, where targeted investment can deliver the greatest impact, and how innovative financing tools can unlock growth and opportunity across the space value chain.

• What is the current state of space funding in Europe? How significant are recent budgetary developments, proposed and confirmed, at the European Commission, ESA, and across Member States? Do these increases suitably fund Europe’s ambition?
  
• What is the current status of the European Commission’s proposed investment under the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe? How significant might these prove to be and beyond the space ecosystem itself, what wider economic and strategic effects might these investments generate? 
• How should funding priorities adapt to a changing geopolitical and technological landscape? Are existing funding tools fit for purpose in terms of speed and scale?
  
• How well do funding mechanisms align across Europe? To what extent do public investment programmes (ESA, national space agencies, Member States and the Commission) align with private ones? Where do they complement or duplicate one another? 
• What is the role of private investment in European space ambitions? How can Europe unlock greater volumes of it, and what incentives or frameworks are needed? How can we ensure adequate investment in Europe’s start-up ecosystem?

The global space landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, reshaping the roles and responsibilities of spacefaring nations. As new actors emerge and commercial activity accelerates, the need for responsible governance and effective multilateral cooperation has never been greater. For Europe, this evolving context presents both significant challenges and important opportunities. 

This session will examine how space diplomacy is evolving, and the new partnerships and alliances shaping the future of space activities. Panellists will focus on international collaboration and Europe’s pursuit of new, strategic partnerships to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive environment. The discussion will also assess the state of intra-European coordination, exploring how greater coherence, and progress towards a genuine single market for space, can enhance Europe’s credibility and influence on the global stage.

• How is international space diplomacy evolving and how are stakeholders across Europe adapting their strategies in response? Is there an appetite for diversified international collaboration?
  
• How are geopolitical dynamics reshaping partnerships and alliances, both within and beyond European borders?
  
• How is Europe expanding international partnerships to strengthen its position in a more competitive space environment?
  
• How can European nations and organisations strike a balance between autonomy and cooperation? What role do international institutions and norms play in a more contested space environment?
• How can international partnerships ensure that space remains a global commons rather than a theater for geopolitical competition? Can space usher in a new age of global cooperation, particularly with non-traditional and emerging powers?

Satellites are emerging as a central pillar of Europe’s future connectivity ecosystem, complementing terrestrial networks to deliver resilient, high-capacity and ubiquitous connectivity. Advances in areas such as direct-to-device (D2D), the rapid deployment of low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, and hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial network architectures are reshaping how connectivity is delivered and extending coverage to underserved areas. 

As lawmakers seek to keep pace with rapid technological development, this session will explore the regulatory challenges and emerging policy trends that are being seen, and the work that is bring done to deliver a regulatory framework that drives forward innovation across the SatComs sector. At a European level, the discussion will examine how the Digital Networks Act can complement the existing regulatory framework by streamlining authorisation and spectrum licensing for satellite services; whilst at a global level, it will assess how decisions at WRC-27 are set to shape access to key spectrum bands. Bringing these strands together, it will consider how policy, technical and investment frameworks can support the integration of satellite networks into 6G and future connectivity ecosystems, and the role that satellite is set to play as part of Europe’s digital and connected future.

• What challenges and opportunities do the rapid growth of LEO constellations, D2D connectivity, and other non-terrestrial network (NTN) innovations present for regulators and key stakeholders?
• Are existing EU regulatory and spectrum frameworks fit for purpose for next-generation satellite communications, or do they require adaptation to reflect new technical and market realities?
  
• What key measures does the Digital Networks Act propose to streamline authorisation and spectrum licensing for satellite services, and how far can these support the integration of satellite networks into 6G and future connectivity architectures?
  
• What are Europe’s key spectrum priorities heading into WRC-27, and how will the decisions taken there shape the future of Europe’s satellite communications ecosystem?
  
• What approaches are being considered to ensure effective coexistence between GEO, MEO, and LEO systems, while avoiding harmful interference and guaranteeing equitable access to orbital and spectrum resources?
  
• What technical, regulatory and investment barriers most urgently need to be addressed to enable seamless integration of satellite and terrestrial networks in hybrid architectures?
  
• How can Europe design an innovation-friendly framework for SatComs that supports competitiveness, attracts investment, and ensures satellites strengthen, rather than complicate, the delivery of resilient, high-quality connectivity?

Europe’s space industry is operating in an increasingly competitive global environment, shaped by rapid technological change, rising geopolitical tensions, and the growing scale of investment and industrial consolidation elsewhere. Maintaining Europe’s position as a leading space power will depend on its ability to translate innovation into industrial scale, attract sustained investment, and strengthen the competitiveness of its space value chain. 

This session will therefore take stock of the European space industry and the efforts underway to secure its long-term competitiveness. Discussion will focus on the role of smart regulation, industrial policy, and procurement strategies in supporting scale-up, resilience, and market access. As key policy initiatives continue to shape the debate, the session will address a central question: what does Europe’s space industry need to thrive, and how can policymakers and industry best work together to deliver it?

• What is the current state of Europe’s space industry? What shifts are stakeholders seeing and how is it continuing to evolve?
  
• Against the backdrop of high-profile IPOs, mergers, and the ongoing ‘New Space’ revolution, how does Europe’s space economy compare globally? Where does it lead, and where does it lag?
  
• How close is Europe to achieving a competitive and cohesive space market? What role does smart, active, regulation play in ensuring Europe’s competitive advantage and the success of its space industry?
• What’s next for the European Commission’s Vision for the Space Economy? What possible changes to the Vision for the Space Economy and the EU Space Act do stakeholders anticipate? What might these mean for the market and what does industry need to succeed?
• How can Europe continue to lead on innovation and development in key focus areas, and how important will the targeted investments and support mechanisms, previously outlined, in the Vision be in scaling this ambition? What further industrial strategies are needed?
• What does industry need from governments, ESA, and EU institutions to scale effectively? What role should public investment, procurement strategies (e.g., ‘buy European, buy bulk’), and industry partnerships play in strengthening Europe’s space ecosystem?
• How can supply chain resilience be strengthened without undermining competitiveness or market openness?
• Are Member States doing enough to ensure the success of both the domestic and continental space economy? How can we turn Europe’s space capabilities into sustainable economic strength? 

As the next era of space innovation takes flight, breakthrough technologies and bold new players are rapidly expanding the boundaries of what’s possible in orbit. Startups, scale-ups, and agile private-sector pioneers are reshaping how space is accessed, commercialised, and governed. Recognising their importance to a competitive and resilient Europe, this session will see panellists share insights on today’s innovation landscape, reflect on key opportunities and barriers, and discuss the role of forward-looking policy in supporting Europe’s New Space ambitions in a fast-moving global industry.

• As the next era of space innovation accelerates, how are startups, scale-ups, and new private-sector actors reshaping Europe’s space ecosystem?
  
• Where are the most promising areas of technological breakthrough today, and which segments of the value chain are seeing the fastest disruption? How important are these to the development of Europe’s space ecosystem and is the market there?
  
• How important is the role of smart, active regulation in the growth of New Space actors? How can European policy evolve to better support these players?
  
• What are the most significant barriers that continue to hold European innovators back?
  
• How can we ensure investment in New Space actors is strategic, specialised, and sustained?
• What would ‘success’ look like for Europe’s New Space ecosystem by 2030, and what needs to change now to get there?

Autonomous access to space remains the fundamental enabler of European ambition in the sector, and there can be no credible European space policy without it. Accordingly, while the continent has made significant progress in recent years, there remains a continued focus on ensuring reliable, autonomous, and sustained access in an increasingly competitive global environment.

In this context, this session will explore how Europe can strengthen and secure its access to space over the long term. Focussing on the evolution of Europe’s launcher capabilities and broader launch services ecosystem, panellists will assess the future of the European launcher landscape and the role of emerging policy initiatives in reinforcing Europe’s resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness.

• How critical is autonomous access to space in underpinning Europe’s broader space ambitions? How are stakeholders navigating the current landscape to ensure it?
  
• To ensure autonomous access to space, what initiatives and investments should be prioritised, (i.e. Horizon Europe, ESA’s Launcher Challenge) and what broad steps are necessary to guarantee efficiency and resilience on the road to autonomy?
  
• Is there a need for a more formalised EU–ESA ‘Access to Space’ strategy to guide future investment and coordination?
  
• How can Europe support the emergence of new launch providers while maintaining a competitive and balanced ecosystem?
• How can the EU, ESA, and national space agencies enhance collaboration to streamline decision-making, align public and private sector goals, and address market fragmentation to guarantee an autonomous access to space?

As orbital activity continues to grow, the long-term safety and sustainability of the space environment remains a pressing and unresolved challenge. In the absence of globally binding regulatory frameworks, the risks posed by collisions, cascading debris events, and disruption to critical space services will continue to increase, making effective debris mitigation and space traffic management ever more critical, and the need for robust action increasingly universal. 

This session will examine how Europe can strengthen its approach to debris mitigation and space traffic management, asking how we can balance regulatory oversight with innovation and commercial growth while doing so. Panellists will explore the role of emerging policy frameworks, international coordination, and technological solutions in ensuring responsible behaviour in orbit. Commentary will also reflect on Europe’s ability to shape global norms, and the role of the EU Space Act in this aim.

• What are the most impactful strategies and initiatives driving space sustainability in Europe and across the globe? How are stakeholders overcoming operational and regulatory hurdles to maintain the momentum already created in this area?
• How are key stakeholders (e.g. ESA, the Commission, Member States, UNOOSA, ITU, and private operators) fostering cooperation, compliance, and responsible behaviour? Are current international frameworks sufficient to manage space traffic and prevent monopolisation?
• What role can the EU Space Act play in strengthening Europe’s leadership in sustainability? How might it complement existing global efforts by UNOOSA and ITU, or ESA’s Zero Debris Charter in Europe?
• What initiatives are underway at the international level to address space sustainability, and what role is Europe playing as part of these efforts? How can Europe secure broader international buy-in for its sustainability objectives while ensuring that the transition towards sustainability strengthens, rather than weakens, the competitiveness of EU industry?
• How can innovation and new commercial services, particularly in emerging technologies and AI, enhance space traffic management and support the long-term sustainability of the orbital environment?
• What funding mechanisms and incentive structures are needed to drive private sector investment in sustainability, and how can costs for large-scale STM and debris mitigation be equitably shared?

Secure satellite communications are now a core strategic requirement for Europe, underpinning crisis response, civil protection, defence and diplomacy, and the resilience of critical infrastructure. GOVSATCOM is the EU’s framework for ensuring trusted, secure governmental satcom capabilities, while IRIS² is the next-generation multi-orbit programme intended to deliver the sovereign capacity and industrial scale needed to meet Europe’s long-term ambitions.

With IRIS² entering its procurement phase and key ‘rendezvous’ discussions underway, and GOVSATCOM services now online, this session will assess the significance of Europe’s secure satcom agenda and the path ahead. Panellists will examine the decisions shaping system design and governance, the challenges associated with delivery and operationalisation, and the consequences if Europe fails to meet its objectives in an increasingly contested space domain. The discussion will also explore how GOVSATCOM and IRIS² will work together in practice, including their role in strengthening European autonomy, competitiveness, and resilience against cyber and geopolitical threats.

• How important are secure connectivity services in Europe and what is the strategic vision behind Europe’s ambition here?
  
• How do GOVSATCOM and IRIS² fit within broader ambitions for space sovereignty and multi-orbit resilience?
  
• With GOVSATCOM services now operational and IRIS² entering procurement, what are the most critical decisions that will shape delivery and long-term success?
  
• What role do GOVSATCOM and IRIS² play in Europe’s wider resilience framework, including the European Space Shield, and how do they strengthen resilience against cyber and geopolitical threats?
• Is there a business case for IRIS²? What opportunities does this create for European industry and start-ups across the space and cybersecurity value chains?
  
• What are the key takeaways from GOVSATCOM that should inform the development and rollout of IRIS²?
• What role will ESA, EUSPA, the European Commission, and national governments play in managing and operationalising GOVSATCOM and IRIS²?

Driven by rapid technological progress, growing commercial involvement, an evolving geopolitical climate, and rising demand from policymakers, industry, and public authorities alike, Earth Observation (EO) is entering a new phase of complexity and importance. Alongside flagship programmes such as Copernicus, a growing number of national sovereign constellations and commercial capabilities are now emerging across the continent. Initiatives such as European Resilience from Space (ERS) and the proposed Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS) reflect a broader effort to bring these assets together into a more coordinated European capability — one capable of serving both civil and governmental users while strengthening Europe’s autonomy in the process. 

Accordingly, this final session will examine the next phase of the European EO ecosystem and the growing effort to build a federated architecture linking institutional programmes, national assets, and commercial services. The discussion will explore how public programmes and private capabilities can be integrated to deliver operational value in the near term, while also addressing the growing importance of EO in security, crisis response, and strategic decision-making. Particular attention will be given to the evolving role of Copernicus, the development of EOGS, and the wider policy framework shaping Europe’s ambitions in Earth Observation and space data.

• How is the global Earth Observation landscape evolving, and how can Europe maintain leadership as commercial constellations and new international actors rapidly expand EO capabilities?
  
• How is demand for EO data evolving across governments, security actors, and commercial users, and what implications does this have for Europe’s future EO architecture? How does the proposed Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS) fit into this landscape?
  
• How should Europe balance civil, commercial, and security requirements when designing future EO programmes? What governance, procurement, and funding models are needed to enable genuine dual-use capability from the outset?
  
• What is next for Copernicus as Europe’s flagship EO programme? How can it adapt to evolving strategic and security priorities while preserving its civil mandate, and what role might new funding instruments such as the European Competitiveness Fund play?
  
• How can initiatives such as ERS and EOGS integrate national and commercial EO assets into a more federated European architecture capable of delivering operational capability quickly?
  
• What are the most significant new use cases for EO across civil, commercial, and security domains, and to what extent is a sustainable commercial EO market emerging in Europe as advances in AI, analytics, and cloud computing transform how space data is used?

Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services are key to Europe’s critical infrastructure, defence capabilities, and digital economy. Together, Galileo, EGNOS, and Europe’s wider PNT services form a critical ecosystem underpinning aviation, transport, energy, financial systems, emergency response, and defence. As Europe’s global navigation satellite system, Galileo sits at the core of this architecture, playing a central role in ensuring autonomy and resilience in an increasingly contested and complex space security environment. 

This session will explore the future of Europe’s PNT ecosystem, examining how Galileo and complementary services such as EGNOS, terrestrial backup solutions, and allied capabilities are evolving to meet rising operational and security demands. Panellists will assess how Europe can safeguard trusted, high-accuracy and safety-critical PNT services in the face of growing threats, and what policy, governance, and investment choices are required to strengthen long-term resilience.

• How critical are PNT services to Europe’s security, resilience, and economy, and what should Europe’s PNT capability look like over the next decade?
  
• What is the next phase of Galileo’s evolution? How will the programme adapt to rising security and operational demands?
• Is Europe investing enough to sustain Galileo’s performance, resilience, and global competitiveness? What role could the proposed investment via the Commission’s European Competitiveness Fund play, and what additional capability priorities should be funded?
  
• How critical are Galileo, EGNOS, and Europe’s wider PNT services to its security, defence, and critical infrastructure resilience? How can Europe strengthen protection against jamming, spoofing, and hybrid threats?
  
• What is the relationship between Galileo and emerging LEO-based PNT concepts, including ESA’s Celeste initiative? How important is interoperability with allied systems, and where are the technical or political constraints?
  
• How are key stakeholders (the Commission, EUSPA, ESA, Member States and commercial partners) working in tow to ensure success in this area?