Commissioner Kubilius “Launch Tour” passed by Sweden

From the Swedish capital to the Arctic Circle, Commissioner for Space and Defence Andrius Kubilius took his ‘Launch Tour’ to Sweden on 5 and 6 November, putting EU’s access to space, security and strategic autonomy at the centre of discussions.

The visit began in Stockholm, where Commissioner Kubilius met with representatives of the Swedish Government, including Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence, Lotta Edholm, Minister for Upper Secondary School, Higher Education and Research, and Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for EU Affairs. Discussions focused on Europe’s future access to space and Sweden’s role in strengthening Europe’s capabilities.

At a roundtable with representatives of Sweden’s space industry, the Commissioner discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s launch sector. He then travelled to Esrange Space Center, in northern Sweden, to see first-hand the facilities operated by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). Combining rocket launch capabilities, satellite ground infrastructure and scientific research, Esrange is an important asset in Europe's space ecosystem.

The visit also addressed the wider security dimension of Europe’s space ambitions. Commissioner Kubilius joined Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson for a high-level discussion on ‘The European Security Landscape – What is to be done?’, as part of the New World Order – Implications for Europe conference. The Commissioner also visited the Centre for Swedish Gunpowder at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where research explores ways to secure national supply chains for raw materials.

From launch sites and testing facilities to industrial capabilities and international partnerships, the visit reflects a central challenge for Europe: ensuring it has the means to reach space independently, reliably and competitively.

Announced in September, the ‘Launch Tour’ brings the Commission into direct dialogue with national governments and the space industry. Its objective is to strengthen Europe's launch capacity, improve access to testing facilities and develop a more connected network of ground infrastructure. The discussions will feed into an Action Plan on European Access to Space, which the Commission intends to present next year.