Perspective on space and security policy, programmes and governance in Europe

The objective of this paper is to examine and provide a holistic assessment of the “Space and Security” Policy in Europe, taking into consideration the European and national Space Strategies, Programmes and Governance. The importance of security in European Union (EU) activities is increasing after a decade of unprecedented crises and challenges of multidimensional nature. Space, as an enabling tool in support of multiple policy areas, can contribute to national and supranational security objectives. Space can contribute to and ultimately reinforce the European integration process. The first part of this paper focuses on the description of the security aspects of the space activities in Europe. The analysis includes the two main extents of space security – security from space and security in space. The second part focuses on the security aspects of the European Union (EU), European Space Agency (ESA) and National Space strategies, policies and programmes. The importance of coordination and cooperation between the stakeholders is emphasised. The final part considers how the European “Space and Security” strategies and policies contribute to European Space Integration.