Space, security and defence

Space threats facing the EU

National and multinational military operations are inconceivable without the use of space-based systems. These assets and applications are crucial for navigation and positioning, communication, meteorology, geospatial and imagery services, early warning mechanisms and ballistic missile interception.

Space is a critical enabler for modern life, the economy and security, underpinning over €1.5 trillion of the EU’s GDP, yet the EU faces mounting threats in an increasingly contested environment.

30 EU-owned satellites that provide essential services, including for navigation (Galileo) and Earth observation (Copernicus), are at significant risk.

In 2022 alone, there were over 150 reported incidents of satellite interference worldwide, ranging from signal jamming to hacking attempts.

The EU space strategy for security and defence is a key deliverable of the Strategic Compass, a plan of action to strengthen the EU’s security and defence policy by 2030.

The key pillars of the strategy are:

• increasing our understanding of space threats
• enhancing the resilience and protection of space systems and services in the EU
• responding to space threats
• enhancing the use of space for security and defence
• partnering for responsible behaviours in outer space

Types of threats

The space domain encompasses all elements essential for the operation of space systems and the delivery of space-based services. These elements include the physical space environment, orbits, spacecraft, ground and launch infrastructure, radio links, user terminals, associated cyber systems and the industrial space sector.

Space is becoming increasingly congested and contested, which poses growing risks to global security. Recent hostile actions, such as destructive anti-satellite missile tests and cyberattacks on space infrastructure, highlight the vulnerabilities of critical systems that support European industries and services.

These incidents, including Russia’s 2021 missile test and 2022 cyberattack on Viasat, demonstrate the interconnectedness of space security, cyber threats and geopolitical tensions. Protecting space infrastructure is vital to ensure the EU’s safety and economic stability, and the resilience of essential services that underpin democratic institutions and international security.

The EU’s response to threats which affect systems and services under the EU space programme and which may affect the security of the EU is handled within the space threat response architecture.

Resilient space, a secure Europe

As the risks in the space domain grow, the EU prioritises robust governance and protective measures to safeguard its space capabilities.

The focus is on reducing technological dependencies, advancing research and innovation, strengthening supply chains to support the EU’s space security and competitiveness, and maintaining partnerships with like-minded allies.

Reducing strategic dependencies

To secure its autonomy in space, the EU is investing in its industrial base:

• aligned funding: the €13 billion EU space programme utilises synergies with defence-focused initiatives such as the European Defence Fund, and also with Horizon Europe, to ensure seamless research and development
• technological sovereignty: measures are being taken to reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers, securing critical components and materials for space systems

Standardising space systems and governance

To enhance resilience and collaboration across member states, the EU is working on:

• a unified space act: a proposed legal framework to standardise safety, security and sustainability measures for space operations across the EU
• public-private collaboration: through initiatives such as the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre, the EU is fostering partnerships to enhance the resilience of space systems and share best practices
• innovative investments: targeted investments are being made in cutting-edge technologies to strengthen Europe’s autonomous access to space

Space for security and defence

Space is a key operational domain alongside land, sea, air and cyber operations, and a critical enabler for military missions and operations, including those conducted in the framework of the EU’s common security and defence policy.

By developing space services for governmental use by the EU member states, the EU strengthens its freedom of action and autonomous decision-making in security and defence, while maintaining the civilian nature of flagship programmes such as Copernicus and Galileo.

Key priorities also include strengthening the EU Satellite Centre to boost the EU’s geospatial intelligence capacity, and reinforcing member states’ space domain awareness capabilities.

Fostering global partnerships

The EU actively engages with international partners to promote responsible behaviour and enhance security in space.

Within the United Nations framework, the EU works to build a shared understanding of space security challenges and foster global agreements on safe and sustainable space activities, supporting international ambitions to prevent an arms race in outer space through transparency and confidence building measures.

The EU works closely with the United States as a key strategic partner, deepening cooperation on space security and defence to address mutual challenges and ensure shared benefits.

The EU also maintains space security dialogues with non-EU countries, aiming to enhance transparency, build trust and exchange best practices for resilient and responsible space operations.

The EU is strengthening its ties with NATO, holding regular exchanges to further strengthen, deepen and expand cooperation on space.

These partnerships are essential to ensure that space remains a secure and sustainable resource for all.

• A Strategic Compass for security and defence
• Space: Council approves conclusions on the EU space strategy for security and defence (press release, 14 November 2023)
• EU space strategy for security and defence (European External Action Service)
• EU space strategy for security and defence (European Commission)