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19 Jan, 2021

Liberals push for a clear and strong space strategy at the 13th European Space Conference

The 13th European Space Conference took place on 12 and 13 January under the theme ‘Space Embracing a Changing World: Green, Digital, Resilience and Security’. Key players from the European space sector discussed topics such as space competitiveness, the digital transition, and the international space corporation. Among the speakers were President of the European Council Charles Michel, European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions Sophie Wilmès (MR).

Opening the event, President Michel stressed the importance of Europe’s twin digital and green transitions as well as the ambitious commitment to strategic autonomy as the means to build a stronger and more prosperous EU. In this line, he highlighted the key role of Europe’s space action to reinforce the bloc’s position as a global leader on space. 

“Europe is already a major player in space. If we want to be stronger and more self-confident on the global landscape, we must also be stronger in space. We must ensure safe, autonomous, reliable and affordable access to space”, Michel noted. Read his full speech here.

In his intervention, Commissioner Breton remarked that the new year 2021 should be an opportunity for Europe to emerge, learn and move forward. He asserted that the EU must define a clear and strong space strategy to maintain its position as a global leader.

“We need a more offensive, aggressive, coherent space strategy. There is an urgent need to break taboos. We need a genuine EU strategy for launchers, we need new generation launchers. The European Commission is ready to play a huge role”, Breton said. Watch his full speech here.

Moreover, Minister Wilmès stressed the importance of the space sector for European citizens and shared Belgium’s views for a space policy that contributes to the Union’s economic growth. Watch her full intervention here.

More information about the conference here.

Photo credits: Lukasz Kobus, EC - Audiovisual Service 2019; EC - Audiovisual Service, 2018.

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