Eurospace Position Paper on the “EU Space Act”
The EU Space Act (EU SA) is a positive development in European leadership in space. Industry considers that the EU SA will help prevent fragmentation of the internal market where the Member States may have different legislative requirements to address safety and security issues. Furthermore, since space activities are inherently global, the industry considers that an EU-level approach offers a better chance of promoting the interests of the European space sector in international forums. Europe can indeed lead by example in enhancing Space Traffic Management, debris tracking, mitigating orbital risks, and safeguarding its space infrastructure with explicit cybersecurity rules for the space sector.
Read the Position Paper HERE.
Protect European strategic autonomy and ensure a level-playing field within the internal market
The equivalence regime and multiple derogations clauses lead to concerns about whether the level playing field envisioned for EU operators will actually apply in practice, or rather result in EU operators being bound by stricter requirements than non-EU ones. In this regard, industry is calling for derogations and equivalence decisions to be limited and for the promotion of the EU preference principle. Within the EU internal market itself, and for the Act to be effective, high-level requirements must apply equally across all mission types and all company types and exceptions shall only be related to the associated risks. Smaller businesses’ efforts to comply with the Act should be supported by capacity building and measures to help them meet standards.
Simplification, standardisation and coordination
The Act should ensure streamlined and not overlapping processes, which will be key to managing resources efficiently. In this regard, additional legal burden shall be avoided and financial support to cover compliance costs shall be provided. Besides, the Act shall rely on existing ECSS and ISO standards, explicitly recognising the role of the ECSS.
Supporting innovation, new capabilities and the emergence of new profitable markets for the European space industry
The Act offers prospects for new technological solutions and market development and could be seen as a driver for innovation and new markets, particularly in areas like In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) or Space Situational Awareness. Improvements are however needed on SST/SSA where the Act overlooks the broader potential of European commercial SSA providers. Any efforts on capacity-building measures and R&D support are welcome, but it will be essential to back the provision with robust programmes, a competitive industrial base, and adequate funding to realise Europe’s ambition. Finally, industry also welcomes the proposed EU Space Label, provided it is optional, based on clear, practical, and measurable criteria, and supported by meaningful incentives that justify its costs.
Read the Position Paper HERE.