Europe's Strategic Imperative: Achieving Sovereignty in the Space Domain

4 hours ago7 min read

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has delivered a clear verdict: European security is a concrete necessity, not a theoretical concept dependent on allies. This imperative now extends from the terrestrial to the celestial, a domain where the European Union is dangerously falling behind.Europe is confronting its modern 'Sputnik moment,' defined not by a rival's achievement but by the critical absence of its own sovereign capabilities. The war has highlighted the fundamental role of space assets—Starlink's communications resilience and reconnaissance satellites providing real-time intelligence are not merely supportive but are the central nervous system of contemporary conflict and economic stability, guiding everything from precision weapons to global financial networks.However, as the United States advances with its Space Force and commercial innovation, and China systematically pursues its orbital ambitions, Europe's collaborative approach risks obsolescence through deliberation and delay. While the Galileo system is an engineering success, it remains a solitary pillar in an era demanding a robust, diversified portfolio.Europe urgently requires sovereign satellite internet for digital autonomy, responsive launch capacity to replace foreign dependencies, and enhanced space domain awareness to shield critical infrastructure from jamming and attack. The cost of inaction is not just a loss of influence; it is the erosion of strategic autonomy, potentially leaving Europe reliant on others for essential communications and intelligence in a future crisis—a vulnerability that could be decisive.This is not about weaponizing space, but about securing the foundational, dual-use technologies that ensure the safety of citizens and the sovereignty of its institutions. To be a true sovereign power in the 21st century, Europe must secure its position in orbit.

#editorial picks news

#Europe

#space race

#security

#Russia

#Ukraine

#defense

#satellites

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