A Geopolitical Awakening: The European Union and Space

Summary: This Aerospace Corporation report examines the European Union’s growing role in space for U.S. defense officials, space policymakers, and international partners. It describes how the EU’s proposed 2028–2034 budget could increase annual space investment from about €3 billion to €6–€9 billion.

Readers will learn how EU, European Space Agency, and national programs divide responsibility for space capabilities, funding, and security. The report notes that the proposed Defence and Space budget would rise to €131 billion, while a separate estimate puts potential annual EU space funding as high as €14 billion. It explains implications for U.S.-European cooperation, procurement, and strategic autonomy. As The Aerospace Corporation report states, “Europe is moving closer to its decades-long goal of strategic autonomy in space.”