Explore the initiatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space in the European space sector
The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) leads the European Commission’s initiatives in the defence and space sectors. It implements the EU’s Space Programme, monitors trends, identifies challenges, and aligns the Space Programme’s objectives with EU priorities, such as innovation, security, and economic growth.
DG DEFIS is essential for developing and enforcing regulatory frameworks that govern EU space activities. This includes ensuring compliance with licensing procedures, international treaties, safety standards, and protecting security interests to foster responsible behaviour in space.
Additionally, DG DEFIS actively supports the competitiveness and growth of the European space industry. It achieves this by providing targeted incentives – especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – by promoting technology transfers, encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors, and facilitating access to markets and finance.
“Furthermore, DG DEFIS seeks to enhance Europe’s global influence by leveraging its resources and engaging with strategic stakeholders, partners and international organisations in international fora, where it promotes peaceful collaboration in the space domain,” we are told.
DG DEFIS leadership
Key leaders within DG DEFIS include Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, Director-General Timo Pesonen, and Deputy Director-General Herald Ruijters. (1)
Commissioner Kubilius collaborates with the High Representative and Member States to strengthen European defence. He oversees Europe’s space portfolio, addressing the competitive landscape in space and its impact on defence and security. He is developing a proposal for EU Space Law. He has introduced a Space Data Economy Strategy, while also focusing on implementing the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence. (2)
Space policy background
The European Commission has underlined the space economy and the EU Space Act as key priorities, as highlighted in the Draghi and Letta reports, and in the Commission’s work programme for 2025 and Competitiveness Compass.
The necessity for such legislative action is also reflected in two recent Joint Communications: the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence and the EU Approach for Space Traffic Management. These documents echo Member States’ calls for a stable and coherent regulatory framework to create an internal market for space activities.
The EU Space Act
On 25th June 2025, the European Commission proposed the EU Space Act, aimed at making Europe’s space sector safer, cleaner and more competitive by addressing the current fragmented regulations among Member States. This proposal focuses on three key pillars:
- Safety: With over 11,000 satellites currently in orbit and an expected 50,000 more in the next decade, the risk of collisions due to space debris is escalating. The EU Space Act introduces measures to limit the creation of new debris and enhance the tracking of space objects. It mandates the safe disposal of satellites after their operational life.
- Resilience: As space becomes more contested, threats like cyberattacks on satellites and ground stations are increasing. To mitigate these risks, the EU Space Act will mandate comprehensive risk assessments and cybersecurity measures for all space operators throughout a satellite’s lifecycle.
- Sustainability: With the growth of space activities, it’s crucial to manage resources and reduce CO2 and space debris. The EU Space Act will establish standards for measuring environmental impacts and promote innovations, such as in-space servicing, to extend satellite lifespans and minimise debris.
The rules will apply to both EU and non-EU operators serving the European market, with support mechanisms in place for industries, particularly start-ups and SMEs. Alongside the Act, the Commission introduced a Vision for the European Space Economy to respond to global competition and geopolitical challenges.
Space is a rapidly growing market sector that enhances the competitiveness of the EU. This sector encompasses the European space industry, which includes both services and manufacturing, as well as various space services that support numerous market areas, such as climate and environment, energy, agriculture, transportation, insurance and banking, and security and defence.
The legislative proposal is currently under negotiation in the European Parliament and the Council, following the normal legislative procedure. The Commission will now move forward with implementing the actions outlined in the Vision, working closely with EU Member States, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and other space partners, including those from the space industry.
DG DEFIS in the EU’s Space Programme
Commissioner Kubilius offers an optimistic conclusion to our analysis of the role of DG DEFIS in the EU’s Space Programme. As the overseer of Europe’s space portfolio, Commissioner Kubilius highlights the increasing competition in space and its implications for Europe’s overall security and defence. We look forward to future developments regarding the EU Space Act, which aims to enhance the safety, sustainability, and competitiveness of Europe’s space sector. (1-3)
“A space revolution is coming. The 21st century will be the century of space. Europe needs to be at the forefront. Let us embark on this extraordinary journey for our autonomy, resilience and competitiveness,” said Commissioner Kubilius. (3)
References
- https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/
defence-industry-and-space_en - https://commission.europa.eu/about/organisation/college-commissioners/
andrius-kubilius_en - https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1583
