Initially planned for release under the previous Commission mandate, the European Space Act (EUSA) is anticipated to be unveiled in the first half of this year. Expected to set forth an ambitious vision for the sector, it is believed to position Europe as a global leader in responsible space utilisation; with focus on promoting safety, sustainability, and resilience across a European ‘single market for space.’ This session will explore the primary objectives of the EUSA, and the measures that are being proposed in order to deliver these. It will look at the next steps for stakeholders, as well as the role that the EUSA can play as part of the broader regulatory framework to address competitive disadvantages and foster a unified, dynamic, and resilient space market. 

• What are the primary objectives of the EUSA, and how do they align with broader European priorities? How will the act address the varied interests of key stakeholders, including governments, civil society, established industry players, and the SME/startup community?
• What are the next steps for the development and implementation of the EUSA, and what are the expected timelines ahead?
• What challenges and opportunities lie ahead, and how do actors expect to navigate and overcome these? 
• How can the EUSA integrate with existing frameworks governing the space sector and related industries to promote strategic coherence?
• How can we strike the right balance between fostering innovation and maintaining regulatory oversight to ensure both compliance and competitiveness across the global space ecosystem?
• What role will the EUSA play in fostering collaboration between the EU, ESA, EUSPA, and other European partners, both private and public? Can it play the role of a regulatory authority? 
• How is the EUSA being perceived internationally, and to what extent can it serve as a blueprint for future international regulations and global cooperation aligned with its principles? 
• How will the EUSA support the emergence of new markets in domains such as space surveillance, collision avoidance services, cybersecurity in space, and so forth? How will progress and the impact of the EUSA be measured over time to adapt to these evolving technologies?

The forthcoming industrial strategy for space has the potential to transform the European space ecosystem. Seeking robust answers to some of the industry’s longstanding challenges, stakeholders expect the European Commission’s strategy to drive autonomy, ambition, resilience, and competitiveness. Accordingly, its anticipated priorities include advancing research and innovation, strengthening supply chains, fostering domestic capabilities, supporting commercialisation, and cementing Europe’s leadership in critical areas such as satellite technology and emerging space applications. This session explores the aims and objectives of the proposed strategy, and the measures that need to be taken to ensure its success. Exploring how stakeholders are working to overcome challenges to operationalise their ambition, panelists will outline their expectations for the future of European competitiveness, and how they are accelerating innovation and commercialisation in a rapidly evolving global industry. 

• What should be the key aims and objectives of a competitive and resilient industry? How could a proposed strategy help to address problems stagnating the European space industry?
• What are the next steps and the timeframe ahead? What foundations can be established to monitor and adjust proposed policy actions in response to technological advancements and market dynamics?
  
• What does a ‘competitive Europe in space’ actually mean in practice? What does the future hold for European competitiveness across an evolving market and space ecosystem?
  
• How can Europe continue to lead on innovation and development in key focus areas?
  
• How are stakeholders already working to ensure strategic resilience across the industry, and how can the proposed policy measures contribute to this? How are we building robust supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign providers for critical components?
• Are Member States prepared to collaborate and streamline their priorities to consolidate key capabilities, reducing fragmentation and ensuring a sustainable volume of activities for a select group of suppliers? Is the ESA, as the primary customer of the industry, ready to implement industrial policy measures? How can these measures be effectively aligned with the geo-return principle?
• What role will synergy between public and private actors play in accelerating innovation and commercialisation, fundamentally ensuring a competitive and resilient future?
  
• How can strategies regarding the commercialisation of space data fit within the context of the industrial policy? What opportunities do programmes like Copernicus and Galileo offer in this regard, and how are actors turning this promise into operational reality?
• What initiatives are the Commission making to promote the emergence of a sustainable market for services based on the data provided by EU infrastructures?

Flagships of the European Space programme – Copernicus, Galileo, and the newly launched IRIS² – are critical pillars of the continent’s space presence and ambition. These initiatives not only enhance Europe’s technological and economic competitiveness but also address important defence, security, and sustainability challenges in an evolving global landscape. The following sessions explore the future of these programmes, reflecting on lessons from past successes and identifying strategies to ensure their continued key contributions to Europe’s broader space ambitions.

13:10 – 14:15 Session 3i: IRIS2  – Turning the Vision into a Reality

In December 2024, the European Commission took a significant step forward for IRIS² and Europe’s space ambitions by signing a contract with the SpaceRISE consortium, officially moving this ambitious satellite communication network from vision to implementation. As efforts now shift towards building a secure and resilient satellite constellation – set to begin providing services in early 2030 – this session will examine the next steps for IRIS². With the consortium established, it will look at the timeline ahead and how stakeholders are collaborating to achieve the goals of this pivotal ambition. 

• With the Consortium in place, what are the next steps in transitioning IRIS2 from concept to reality? 
• What is the expected timeframe ahead and what mechanisms will be established to monitor progress and ensure the programme’s timely and efficient delivery?
  
• With the expected project budget set to rise from its initial estimate of €6 billion to a figure closer to €10 billion, what strategies are in place to secure the required investment? Is this new budget realistic and compatible with the requirements, the schedule and the maturity of the required technologies?
• What lessons from the development and implementation of Galileo, Copernicus, and other such European space initiatives can stakeholders apply to ensure the success of IRIS²?
• What are the expected economic and social impacts of IRIS², and how can it be ensured that the benefits are maximised for all key stakeholders?
• What was the original vision for IRIS2 and has there been any realignment of this based on the rapidly evolving European and global ecosystems? Are the building blocks now in place to deliver on these key objectives? 
• How can IRIS² enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical areas such as secure communications and defence, while implementing measures to protect its infrastructure from cyber threats? How does IRIS² balance its dual-use applications for both civilian and military needs?
• How can IRIS² leverage emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and 6G to enhance its capabilities, maintain long-term competitiveness, and ensure its infrastructure remains future-proof and adaptable to evolving technological demands?
• What disruptive innovations can space industry startups introduce to expand and improve IRIS²  in its future iterations?

14:15 – 15:20 Session 3ii: The Future of Copernicus and Galileo – Strengthening European Ambition and Leveraging Its Expertise 

Galileo and Copernicus, the existing pillars of the European Space Programme, remain just as vital to Europe’s space ambitions today as they were at their inception. With the new Commission reaffirming its commitment to these projects, their role in Europe’s strategic landscape seems set to evolve. Amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape – both on Earth and in Space – this session will explore Galileo and Copernicus’ growing significance within Europe’s defence and security frameworks. Panelists will assess proposed actions and discuss how these initiatives can be further aligned with broader strategic objectives to enhance autonomy, resilience, and global competitiveness.

• As Copernicus, Galileo, and the global space ecosystem continue to evolve, what is the future trajectory of these flagship initiatives? What ambitions, opportunities, and challenges lie ahead? 
• How can the potential of Copernicus and Galileo be maximised to ensure both continued success and foster innovation? How important are these flagships to the future of the European space sector more broadly, particularly in the context of emerging new regulatory actions such as the EU Space Act and the potential European industrial strategy for space? 
• What funding will be required to deliver on the ambitious goals of these existing space programmes alongside the huge investment that is already being seen with IRIS²? Where can the necessary resources be found? 
• How can stakeholders work together to harness the huge potential of data generated by Copernicus and Galileo and drive economic opportunities and innovation across sectors? 
• What measures are needed to enhance security systems, strengthen resilience, and protect Galileo and related services from emerging cyber threats? 
• How can the existing capabilities of both Galileo and Copernicus be built upon to help deliver the ambitious targets of a unified ‘European Space Shield’? 
• How can these programmes balance their dual-use applications, serving both civilian and security needs without compromising on either? 
• How can emerging technologies like AI, quantum and 6G connectivity help to ensure these vital programmes remain at the cutting edge of innovation?
• As Copernicus and Galileo continue their evolution, and stakeholders advance on IRIS², what future projects should the European Space Programme prioritise? Are there other critical areas, such as ensuring autonomous access to space, that should be integrated into the European Space Programme, and if so how?

Significant challenges still hinder Europe’s pursuit of strategic space autonomy. The recent ‘launcher crisis,’ the decline of European markets, a fragmented supply chain, and the rise of emerging players – issues that have underscored the urgent need for transformative progress – have seen ambitious responses across the sector. This session will explore these, continuing discussions evaluating the roadmap to an autonomous future. Panelists will reflect on lessons learned and evaluate how industry collaboration, targeted investments, and evolving policies can shape a sustainable and independent European space ecosystem. Stakeholders will consider the additional action required, and how the potential for start-ups and SMEs, aligned with fresh R&D and a new wave of innovation, can help ensure the successful development, launch, and operation of space missions.

• How are stakeholders navigating the current landscape to ensure an autonomous future for Europe? What policies should be prioritised and what broad steps are necessary to guarantee efficiency, harmony, and resilience on the road to autonomy? 
• How can the EU, ESA, and national space agencies enhance collaboration to streamline decision-making, align public and private sector goals, and address industry fragmentation to guarantee an autonomous future? 
• How can Europe build a robust and diversified supply chain for critical space components, support domestic manufacturing to mitigate geopolitical vulnerabilities, and align stakeholder efforts to create a sustainable and integrated space ecosystem?
• What role should public investment, procurement strategies (e.g., “buy European, buy bulk”), and industry partnerships play in achieving this goal?
• How can Europe develop a long-term vision for launch capabilities, including reusable rockets, next-gen propulsion, and alternative access to orbit?
• What lessons can be learned from the delays in Ariane 6 and Vega-C, and how can Europe prevent similar setbacks in the future? Is there a coordinated effort among industry, ESA, and national agencies to systematically assess and learn from these challenges?
• How successful can initiatives such as the ESA’s Launcher Challenge and modification of geo-return policies prove? How can this build upon ongoing initiatives across the EU to secure autonomous access to space?
• What role can new players, SMEs, and start-ups play in building an autonomous future for Europe? Should more be done to incentivise the entrance of new players to the industry?

The emergence of ‘New Space,’ characterised by private sector innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, promises to transform the global space industry. SMEs, start-ups, and private investors are pioneering advancements in reusable rockets, miniaturised satellites, space tourism, and advanced data analytics. Marking a shift away from traditional, government-led models, these innovations could democratise access to space, accelerating innovation cycles and unlocking enormous opportunities for economic growth. This session will assess Europe’s readiness to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the evolving space sector. It will explore initiatives and programs designed to drive innovation, address skill shortages, and invest in talent to advance Europe’s New Space vision. Panelists will evaluate whether these efforts are sufficient, highlight key successes, and examine whether expectations have been met. Additionally, the discussion will focus on how to foster a balanced and collaborative ecosystem – one that supports new market entrants while recognising the continued significance of traditional “Old Space” players in shaping Europe’s space future.

• How important are new players, SME’s, and start-ups in delivering the ambitions of the European space economy? How are actors of ‘old space’ and ‘new space’ aligning their ambitions and priorities?
• How do European shareholders continue to incentivise innovation, invest in talent, and address skill gaps to ensure its vision for the future?
• How important could CASSINI and its programmes, such as the Business Accelerator, Investment Facility, and Matchmaker prove?
• How important could the regulatory harmony and birth of a single market for space achieved by the EU Space Act prove for new players?
• What more can be done to create a robust market for commercial space activities and overcome challenges in selling to private companies?
• How are SMEs and start-ups leveraging Europe’s strengths, such as lower talent costs and a robust technological base, to compete globally?
• NASA’s commercial cargo programme and its support of SpaceX is often cited as a key reason for the company’s early growth. How can Europe learn from international actors like the U.S. and adapt successful strategies to support the rise of new players and drive measurable returns on investment?
• How can investment in New Space be strategically directed toward companies with the greatest potential for long-term success and sustainable growth?

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, space is increasingly recognised as a critical component of broader security and defence strategies. In light of this, the EU Commission and Commissioner Andrius Kubilius have been active, calling to unify defence strategies, as well as announcing a number of initiatives and pilot schemes. These efforts develop the existing EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence (EUSSSD), and lay the foundations of a proposed European Space Shield. This session examines Europe’s evolving approach to space security, exploring the broader synergies between space policy, security and defence. Panellists will assess the challenges and opportunities involved in integrating and exploiting the various dual-use services available, and discuss how member states, European policymakers, and private stakeholders can come together to achieve strategic defence objectives, and utilise the power of space to strengthen its security framework. 

• How has the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence shaped Europe’s approach to security and defence, and what progress has been made since its launch? 
• What does the future of European space, security, and defence look like, and what steps must be taken to build on existing frameworks to deliver the Commission and Member States’ goals? How, for example, can we deliver the vision of a unified ‘European Space Shield’? 
• What role should space-based defence capabilities play in European security and NATO operations? How can Europe develop a coordinated EU-wide military space strategy, balancing national interests with collective security goals?
• How can Europe overcome budgetary constraints and fragmented funding to invest in critical space defence initiatives? 
• How can Europe balance military objectives with international commitments to peaceful and sustainable use of space? 
• How can Europe foster synergies between space, security, and defence? What lessons can be taken from strategies seen in other regions to integrate space into security and defence policies and what further coordination is necessary? 
• Following the Commission’s launch of two pilot schemes focused on advancing space domain awareness and Earth observation services, what is the future of European dual-use space capabilities? How do these initiatives enhance existing assets and optimise the use of space for security and defence objectives?

Space activity is reaching unprecedented levels, with thousands of new satellites launching annually. Combined with over a million debris fragments larger than 1 cm already in orbit, low-Earth orbit (LEO) is becoming increasingly crowded, there is universal recognition of the need for robust action. But what does this entail, and how can Europe contribute to delivering a solution? This session will explore these issues, delving into the pressing challenges of space sustainability and traffic management, examining the current landscape, future outlook, and actionable paths forward for European stakeholders. Panelists will explore measures to ensure the fair, safe, and equitable use of space, especially as private sector activity accelerates. Emphasising the importance of upcoming legislation, established frameworks, and proactive European leadership, discussions will focus on strategies to cement Europe’s vision for a sustainable and resilient space future, whilst also reflecting on global responsibilities and cooperative efforts needed to manage space effectively. 

• What work is being done at a member state, European and global level to ensure a sustainable space ecosystem? How are European actors overcoming hurdles to maintain the momentum created in this area?
  
• How are nations, private actors, and international agencies fostering cooperation, compliance, and collaboration to better manage space traffic and promote sustainability?
  
• How can the emergence of the EU Space Act and other key policy actions strengthen European actions in taking the lead globally, and how can it be ensured that international players are being brought along? 
  
• How can emerging technologies, AI, and innovation drive advancements in sustainability and space traffic management?
  
• Are current international frameworks sufficient to prevent the monopolisation of space by a few dominant players?
• How can we address decreasing spectrum availability in space while ensuring equitable access for satellite networks?
• How can governments and international organisations incentivise private sector investments in sustainability? How can private operators, particularly those deploying mega-constellations like SpaceX, Amazon, and OneWeb, be held accountable for their impact on orbital environments?
• Who will fund large-scale STM initiatives and debris mitigation efforts, and how can costs be shared equitably among stakeholders? What economic models can make sustainability and STM financially viable for both private operators and governments?

Europe’s role in space is evolving, requiring a balance between collaboration, strategic autonomy, and global influence. Within its ecosystem, nations, firms, and agencies must work together while expanding international partnerships to remain competitive. As private actors gain prominence, public-private cooperation will be key. Meanwhile, Europe must navigate space governance to promote trust, prevent geopolitical tensions, and uphold space as a global commons. This session will explore how Europe can champion space as a domain for global cooperation rather than geopolitical rivalry and what role regulatory frameworks, such as the EU Space Act, might play in shaping the future of international space diplomacy. Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, how should Europe define its vision, responsibilities and international partnerships in the evolving space ecosystem?

• What is the state of cooperation and collaboration within the internal European ecosystem? How are nations, firms, and agencies co-existing and collaborating within Europe? 
• How is Europe expanding partnerships with international actors to advance shared goals and remain a key player in the global space landscape?
• How can Europe strike a balance between maintaining strategic autonomy and embracing the need for international collaborative space governance? How can nations balance strategic interests with the need for trust and transparency in international partnerships?
• How can international partnerships ensure that space remains a global commons rather than a theater for geopolitical competition?
• Amid shifting global space paradigm, how are European partners building relationships with private actors? How crucial are these partnerships in maintaining Europe’s seat at the table? 
• How can space be used to build bridges and usher in a new age of global cooperation, particularly with non-traditional and emerging powers? Should greater priority be attached to these relationships? 
• What role might the EU Space Act serve in the future of international space diplomacy? 
• What should Europe’s long-term vision be for its role in international space diplomacy by 2030 and beyond?

As the demand for satellite connectivity grows, so does the demand for access to the necessary spectrum that is required to power and support this growth. The challenges of spectrum allocation and licencing for Non-Terrestrial Networks are becoming increasingly complex. This is illustrated by the fact that in the current four-year cycle as we build up to ITU’s 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), eighty per cent of the agenda items that are being studied are related in some way to satellite and NTN services. This session will examine how the evolution of the satellite sector is reshaping the framework for spectrum licencing and access models, highlighting the regulatory challenges and opportunities that arise as a result. It will explore key issues on the WRC-27 agenda and their potential impact on the future development of various NTN technologies. The discussion will focus on how to establish a sustainable spectrum framework that not only safeguards existing services but also fosters innovation and supports new market entrants.

• What challenges and opportunities are currently being seen relating to space-based services and NTN connectivity across Europe and globally?
  
• How is the growth of LEO satellite systems transforming the framework that governs satellite spectrum licencing and access models, and what challenges are their unique deployment models creating for regulators?
  
• What strategies can regulators adopt to facilitate coexistence among GEO, MEO, and LEO operators while avoiding interference and ensuring equitable access? How can interference with terrestrial systems also be avoided?
  
• What decisions regarding spectrum licencing and management for satellite operators take place at a member state, European and global level respectively? What level of coordination is seen, and how important is it that a harmonised framework is delivered in order to avoid fragmentation?
  
• To what extent will decisions at WRC-27 shape the future ecosystem, and help both industry and regulators adapt to the changes that are being seen? What should be the key regional objectives for Europe for WRC-27 regarding the NTN agenda items, and how can it be ensured that these are achieved?
  
• How could the agenda items that have been put forward potentially affect how direct-to-device connectivity, GSO, ESIMS and other services are delivered? Do these go far enough and to what extent can they help deliver the flexibility required to meet the future connectivity requirements of the evolving satellite sector?
  
• What role are NTNs set to play as part of the 6G ecosystem, and how can we ensure that the necessary spectrum and connectivity are available to fully realise their potential?

As funding challenges threaten to stall ambition, Europe’s space sector has reached a defining moment. Coinciding with a broad shift in global space spending priorities, and a recognition of space’s importance to the strategic domain, European investment has remained a fraction of that spent in the US. This occurs as the ESA’s 2025 budget has reportedly decreased, and the ESA Ministerial Conference and proposal deadline for the next EU Multi Financial Framework (MFF) draw near. In this session, stakeholders will assess the roadmap ahead, and explore how best to navigate and overcome these funding disparities. Panelists will explore how Europe can optimise resources and ensure a harmonised approach to spending, as well as the importance of attracting greater private investment and fostering efficiency as they aim to deliver on their ambitions. 

• With space budgets in Europe a fraction of those available in other regions such as the US and China, how can stakeholders overcome these disparities to deliver on the ambitious goals that are being set?
• How are actors maximising their financial resources and fostering efficiency to achieve their goals? Is there more that could be done?
• What investment strategies should be prioritised in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to support both civilian and defence space ambitions? How critical will decisions to be taken at the upcoming ESA ministerial Council be to help maximise the impact of investment? 
• How can Europe attract more private investment and create a more competitive and innovative space industry while ensuring long-term strategic goals are met?
• Reflecting on the Draghi report and Competitiveness Compass, how can Europe navigate budget constraints and rising nationalism among Member States to minimise fragmentation, ensure budgetary alignment, and foster a cohesive approach to its space diplomacy and unified ambitions?
• How should space be integrated into broader funding frameworks, particularly in the context of military priorities and connectivity investments?