Issue 143 - November 2025
ISSN 2315-0017
Spotlight on space
Though it lies light years away, space matters in our daily life. Whether it’s using our car navigation systems, automated teller machines (ATMs) or even our mobile phones, we depend on space technology, data and services in various ways. Europe has a competitive and growing space industry that employs nearly 66 000 people and had sales of up to €8.8 billion in 2024.
With a budget of €14.8 billion, the EU’s space programme aims to stimulate innovation and boost the competitiveness of our space industry. It supports the functioning of satellite systems that cover various activities including Earth observation, navigation support and connectivity. For example, Copernicus allows authorities to monitor the effects of climate change and help direct emergency services in the event of natural disasters. Galileo allows transporters to avail of accurate positioning information, helping airplanes, for example, land safely. Meanwhile the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service helps boost the accuracy of systems like Galileo. IRIS2 ensures that individuals, businesses and public authorities can benefit from secure connectivity services like broadband.
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme is tasked with supporting the implementation of the EU space programme. Meanwhile, the European Union Satellite Centre provides reliable analysis of satellite data to support the EU’s common defence and security policy.
Looking to the future, the EU has adopted a clear approach to ensure the efficient management of space traffic, so that space remains accessible for future generations. Continued cooperation with partners such as the European Space Agency, the United Nations, NATO and other global players will be key to achieving this goal. To ensure that we make the most effective use of our space, the EU supports scientists and entrepreneurs so that the industry can continue to flourish.
Earlier this year, the European Commission proposed the EU Space Act, aiming to ensure that Europe’s space sector remains safe, resilient, sustainable and competitive. At the same time, it published a Vision for the European Space Economy, designed to position the EU as a global leader in the space economy by 2050.
As we mark 50 years since the launch of the European Space Agency, our November newsletter puts the spotlight on space.
Enjoy the good reads!
EU capabilities in space PDF
Scenarios for space security by 2050
Space holds promise for both economic prosperity and the attainment of strategic goals. Given the importance of this subject, the European Commission has proposed an EU space act. This paper aims to describe the geopolitical context of space activities that affect the EU's current and future capabilities, with a specific focus on the use of space for security and defence and the response to space-related risks.
Available in EnglishSpace possibilities for our grandchildren PDF
Current and future economic uses of space
With strong commercial activity taking place in low earth orbit since the late 1980s, space today is a marketplace and therefore responds predominantly to economic incentives. We are entering a period where new space trade markets are being created. See how it’s essential for our future to understand the economic implications of the expansion of human activities in space.
Available in EnglishSpace PDF
The new battleground of modern warfare
Discover how space is rapidly emerging as a new battleground of modern warfare: from the use of commercial space technology in active conflicts to the rise of cyberattacks on satellites and their infrastructure. Explore the strategic dimensions of space and the importance of international cooperation to prevent an arms race in space.
Available in EnglishSatellite data in action: Key applications of the EU space programme html
Open data from satellites to monitor climate change, enable navigation systems and enhance high-speed connectivity
Space technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives, contributing to a digital, green and resilient future. Satellites provide vital data and services, including weather forecasts, broadband internet access, GPS navigation and support in areas like agriculture, crisis response and climate change mitigation. In line with the EU’s ambitious plans for environmental and digital transformation, the EU Space Programme ensures we have the data we need to tackle these challenges.
Available in EnglishGNSS and secure SATCOM PDF
User technology report
The space industry is rapidly evolving as we enter a new era of satellite communications. The EU is actively working on the new secure connectivity programme that will complement the existing EU space programme’s components for navigation (Galileo and EGNOS), Earth observation (Copernicus) and space situational awareness. Discover the latest developments and trends in global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and secure satellite communications (SATCOM), two pivotal technologies that are essential in our modern world.
Available in EnglishAlso out recently
Tools and methods for promoting vaccination acceptance and uptake PDF
A social and behavioural science approach
This is a practical set of resources for public health authorities that supports the identification of barriers and drivers that influence people’s vaccination decisions, enabling the design of tailored strategies to boost acceptance and uptake. Drawing on the latest social and behavioural science insights, the tools are adaptable to different cultural and organisational contexts, ensuring they can be used effectively across diverse vaccination programmes.
Available in EnglishStand up for democracy PDF
Speak up for Europe: achievements report: April 2023 – September 2025
Oliver Röpke, the former President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), reflects on the achievements of his presidency and looks ahead to the challenges set to shape Europe’s future. From enlargement to youth and equality, his two-and-a-half-year mandate was marked by many important challenges throughout which he consistently emphasised that organised civil society cannot stand aside. Read more about how the EESC responded to these challenges in this report.
Available in EnglishIn your language
2025-2026 school year calendar #DigitalEU PDF
Check out this school year calendar for students, which is not only a planning tool, but a guide to building digital resilience and supporting personal growth, both online and offline. Each month explores a digital safety theme, from cybersecurity to digital rights.
Available in all official languages of the EU and UkrainianResearch and innovation
Space: delving into our dynamic universe PODCAST
This episode of the CORDIScovery podcast explores how life on Earth might have begun, and what that could tell us about early life on Mars. It also looks into how space scientists are trying to model, track and collect asteroid fragments so that we can better understand and manage space traffic.
Available in English(Individual article also available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)
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Looking at data on women in research and innovation PODCAST
This episode of the ‘Stats in a Wrap’ podcast examines gender disparities in research and innovation, highlighting challenges women face in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers, including low representation in patents, leadership roles, and persistent pay gaps across the European Union. Four experts from different domains discuss with Jonathan Elliott why careers in science and innovation still look so different for women and men in the EU.
Available in EnglishOur news
The third edition of the European Data Conference on Reference Data and Semantics (ENDORSE) took place on 8 and 9 October. Eager to relive the highlights or catch up with the discussions on how AI is transforming the way we use reference data? You can now watch the event recordings online and check out presentations from the event too.
Organised by the Publications Office of the European Union and Interoperable Europe, with the support of the Digital Europe Programme, the event brought together a vibrant community of experts, researchers and professionals from national public administrations, international organisations and EU institutions. The two-day conference was marked by enticing exchanges on how AI and semantic technologies are paving the way for effective knowledge management and shaping digital policymaking.
Watch the event recordings and let’s keep the conversation going! Check out the dedicated space on LinkedIn to keep up to date with all things ENDORSE-related.
EU-funded projects
