Satellites and launch systems are becoming essential infrastructure for security, communications and geopolitical autonomy.
PARIS, FRANCE
French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have urged Europe to strengthen its space industry as competition intensifies and geopolitical risks expose the continent’s technological dependencies. Their appeal came during the International Space Summit in Paris, attended by political, scientific and industry representatives from more than 120 countries.
Macron called for Europe to develop an independent capacity to send astronauts into space, arguing that the European programme remains fragile. The European Space Agency has proposed investing approximately €10 billion over ten years from 2029 to establish crewed-launch capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States and other external partners.
The leaders also emphasised the strategic importance of Ariane 6 and IRIS², the European Union’s planned secure satellite constellation. IRIS² is intended to provide encrypted governmental communications and commercial connectivity while offering a European alternative to systems such as Starlink. Airbus, Thales Alenia Space and other European manufacturers have received contracts for its initial satellite layers.
Europe has strong scientific institutions and aerospace companies, but fragmented national programmes, procurement disputes and slower launch rates have weakened its position against the United States and China. France supports greater preference for European launchers, while Germany has promoted more competition and retained access to American providers for some security missions.
Space systems now support navigation, banking, telecommunications, climate monitoring, agriculture and military operations. Disruption through cyberattacks, hostile satellites, electronic interference or dependence on a foreign commercial operator could therefore affect entire societies. Strengthening the sector is no longer solely a question of exploration; it has become part of Europe’s defence, industrial and digital strategy.
Strategic autonomy begins where critical dependence ends.