European autonomy, competitiveness and security in the new space era

Europe is lagging behind the US and China in the new space era. Accounting for only 11% of the global institutional space budget, Europe must transition from fragmented, slow-moving institutional programmes to a highly coordinated, pragmatic strategy that balances strategic sovereignty with operational realism. This article outlines how Europe can boost its autonomy, macroeconomic competitiveness and national security in space. First, Europe must develop sovereign, reusable heavy-lift launch capabilities while streamlining procurement for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. Second, accelerating the multi-orbital Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection and Security by Satellite constellation will secure resilient, quantum-encrypted connectivity. Third, Europe can capture the rapidly growing in-orbit servicing market by leading on space sustainability standards. Fourth, dismantling defence silos in favour of a unified continental space command will optimise resource pooling. Finally, expanding public–private growth funds and anchor-customer frameworks will make Europe’s commercial ecosystem less risk-averse. Pragmatic international alliance collaboration remains critical to address the residual resource gaps.