The new space strategy for Europe adopted in October 2016 and a joint statement by the European Union and the European Space Agency provided a new impetus for the establishment of a European space program that would integrate the existing EU space programs (Galileo, Copernicus, EGNOS) and the EU’s activities in the space. The new space program, the proposal of which was announced in June 2018, aims, on the one hand, to simplify and harmonize the Union acquis regarding space activities, on the other hand is a step towards the creation of a new European Union Agency for the Space Program. However, the EU's action should be read primarily in the context of challenges from the international environment, the growing role of Chinese private companies in the space sector and changes in the American doctrine of the use of space.
ZBN Commentary no. 13 (37)/2018
9 November 2018
© 2018 Uniwersytet Jagielloński & Paweł Frankowski
The new space strategy for Europe adopted in October 2016 and a joint statement by the European Union and the European Space Agency provided a new impetus for the establishment of a European space program that would integrate the existing EU space programs (Galileo, Copernicus, EGNOS) and the EU’s activities in the space. The new space program, the proposal of which was announced in June 2018, aims, on the one hand, to simplify and harmonize the Union acquis regarding space activities, on the other hand is a step towards the creation of a new European Union Agency for the Space Program. However, the EU's action should be read primarily in the context of challenges from the international environment, the growing role of Chinese private companies in the space sector and changes in the American doctrine of the use of space.