The Union promotes scientific and technological progress, industrial competitiveness and the implementation of its policies through the EU space policy. As a vital part of our commitment to security and defence, sustainable prosperity, democracy and social fairness, the EU leverages its space policy for the benefit of all its citizens and businesses.
Through the EU space programmes, the European Union delivers space-based infrastructure, data and services that support everyday life, strengthen resilience and drive sustainable growth. Space capabilities help Europe address major societal challenges, from climate change and environmental protection to secure communications, digital transformation and economic competitiveness, while reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
Who we are
The European Parliament and the Council establish the EU space policy and programmes, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.
The programmes are implemented by the European Commission in cooperation with key European partners, including the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), alongside EU Member States and a wide network of public and private stakeholders.
What we do
The European Parliament and the Council have adopted:
Regulation (EU) 2021/696 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Union Space Programme and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and repealing Regulations (EU) No 912/2010, (EU) No 1285/2013 and (EU) No 377/2014 and Decision No 541/2014/EU
Regulation (EU) 2023/588 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2023 establishing the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023-2027
Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (Text with EEA relevance)
Through these programmes, the European Union implements
The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, a regional satellite navigation system
The EU space monitoring, weather, surveillance and tracking system
These components provide essential data and services for a wide range of applications, including climate monitoring, disaster management, sustainable agriculture, secure connectivity, transport safety, energy efficiency and digital innovation. By enabling informed decision-making and new commercial opportunities, the EU space activities contribute directly to sustainable prosperity, environmental stewardship and the competitiveness of European industry.
The Union also implements activities in the fields of space research, innovation and technologies, access to space, market uptake and international relations. It encourages and supports innovation and competitiveness.
The European Parliament and the Council are currently working on new legislative proposals from the European Commission, in particular the proposal for an EU Space Act and a proposal for a European Competitiveness Fund Regulation (2028–2034) covering space.