Ensuring access to critical space technologies is essential for Europe's economy, society, and security. The European Commission is enhancing technological sovereignty through strategic monitoring, targeted investments, and cutting-edge innovation in key areas including critical technologies, non-dependence, and quantum applications.
The Observatory of Critical Technologies (OCT), co-led by DG DEFIS and DG JRC, monitors and analyzes critical technologies, related developments, and supply chains of space and defence. The OCT identifies technologies essential for space, security, defence, and public order.
By 2025, a total of 12 space and defence technologies will be assessed, covering EEE components, equipment, sub-systems, and systems specifically designed for meeting space missions and defence requirements. The OCT provides regular analysis and risk assessments, with EU technology roadmaps issued in coordination with industry, research institutes, and EU Member States.
Ensuring access to critical space technologies is key to Europe's economy, society, and security. Through Horizon 2020 and the EU Space Programme, the European Commission has invested more than €100 million to strengthen Europe's non-dependence on critical space technologies. As of 2023, the Commission allocates €20 million annually to reduce EU non-dependence.
These investments support the maintenance, development, and evolution of European space systems and components for which no viable alternatives currently exist in the EU. A major example is the funding of the first rad-hard space graded FPGA entirely based on a European supply chain—crucial components for missions including Copernicus and Galileo.
The second quantum revolution is underway, and the EU is positioning itself to make strategic use of quantum technologies to improve the daily life and security of EU citizens. The Commission is developing quantum technologies for space applications in secure communication, time and frequency services, Earth sensing and observation, as well as quantum computing for space data processing and mission planning.
The EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) initiative aims to ensure ultra-secure, quantum-encrypted, space-based communication between government institutions and critical infrastructures across the Union, linking national quantum communication networks across the EU while reducing technological dependencies.