EU Space Commissioner Calls on Bloc to Establish a "European Space Shield" to Unite Defence Efforts

European Commissioner for Defence and Space, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, has called on EU countries to adopt a ‘big bang’ approach to space and provide investments similar to new defence priorities.

Speaking at the 17th European Space Conference in Brussels, Kubilius said he wants Europe to be a leader in space, but acknowledged that budgets are still limited and fragmented, and that the bloc risks falling behind if it does not act.  

‘Our public spending on space is too low and fragmented. It is very difficult to implement large, ambitious, long-term projects,’ the former Lithuanian prime minister said on Tuesday.   

He stressed that the European Commission expects to reach an agreement on new space funding in the next long-term budget (2028-34). This is the Multiannual Financial Framework, negotiations on which will begin in the summer of 2025.   

The EU executive noted that it currently has no data on how much money the bloc needs to remain competitive with global powers such as the United States and China.   

Europe's share of global public space funding is 11% of the global total (€12 billion) and continues to decline, while the US accounts for 64% of the global total (over €65 billion). 

As for Europe's share of global private equity, the figures are similar: Europe invested €980 million compared to €3.6 billion invested by the US.  

Kubilius outlined the EU's roadmap. To remain a space power, it is necessary to continue developing space flagships, launch the EU Space Industrial Strategy to be innovative and competitive, provide autonomous access to space, create a stronger link between defence and space, and increase investment.  

‘We have to say: buy European, and we have to say: buy in bulk. The industry needs clear orders,’ Kubilius concluded.