Macron, von der Leyen call for stronger European space sector amid rising security concerns
Europe urged to treat space as a strategic priority
Poinews.com – The Macron von der Leyen call for a stronger European space sector came at an international space summit in Paris, where leaders stressed that orbital capability now matters for security, economic resilience and political independence. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argued that Europe needs greater investment, coordination and capacity in space.
The summit, co-hosted by France and Germany at the Grand Palais, highlighted how satellites support communications, navigation, weather forecasting and Earth observation. Their importance for defence has also become increasingly clear since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Macron calls for shared governance
Macron said Europe’s space sector remains vulnerable and called for stronger collective management. He argued that rules for activities beyond Earth have not kept pace with the growing strategic importance of space.
“Outer space remains the only major global commons that is not subject to regulations that match the stakes,” Macron said. “Shared governance is necessary to address these challenges.”
The Macron von der Leyen call reflects the need to bring together European institutions, national governments and industrial groups. Closer cooperation could limit fragmented efforts while helping Europe pursue major space programmes on its own terms.
Macron said the summit was expected to produce more than 51 agreements worth around €20 billion in investment. The planned deals show that space is increasingly viewed as more than a field for exploration and scientific missions.
Ukraine sharpens security concerns
Von der Leyen focused on the strategic value of Europe’s ability to access and operate in space. She said that this capability supports prosperity but is also becoming essential to security and independence, with Ukraine providing a clear example.
“The ability to access and act in space not only underpins our prosperity, it increasingly determines our security and independence. Nowhere is this clearer than in Ukraine,” von der Leyen said.
Satellite communications can keep military personnel connected, while satellite imagery can reveal movements hundreds of kilometres away. The war has therefore intensified European interest in military space assets and in reducing long-standing dependence on the United States.
Europe has historically spent a smaller share of its economic output on space than the US: 0.07% of GDP compared with 0.24%. The Macron von der Leyen call placed that investment gap at the centre of a wider discussion about Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.
Funding and IRIS² expansion
In November 2025, the European Space Agency approved a record €22.3 billion budget for its 2026-2028 funding period. The wider European effort also includes €35 billion for space connected to security and defence.
Von der Leyen highlighted IRIS², the European Union’s planned flagship satellite constellation, as a key part of the strategy. The system is intended to strengthen secure satellite communications across Europe.
“Security on Earth increasingly depends on our security in space,” von der Leyen said. “Last month, we decided to accelerate the system, by expanding it to more than 350 satellites.”
A larger constellation could offer wider coverage and greater resilience when secure communications are needed over long distances. For European leaders, the Macron von der Leyen call is ultimately about ensuring that essential services and critical information remain available during periods of heightened security pressure.
FAQ: European space policy
Why is Europe increasing investment in space?
European leaders see satellites as essential infrastructure for communications, navigation, observation, research, economic activity and security. Greater investment is intended to improve Europe’s resilience and autonomy.
What is IRIS²?
IRIS² is the European Union’s planned satellite constellation for secure communications. The system is being accelerated and expanded to more than 350 satellites.
Why does the war in Ukraine matter for space policy?
The conflict has demonstrated how satellite communications and imagery can support security operations. It has reinforced European concerns about maintaining reliable access to critical space-based services.