On June 25, 2025, Commissioner Kubilius delivered remarks on the EU Space Act and outlined a vision for the European Space Economy. He began by drawing historical parallels, likening the current state of space exploration to previous technological revolutions such as railways in the 19th century and automobiles and planes in the 20th century. According to Kubilius, “the twenty first century will be the century of space,” marking it as a new frontier with significant economic potential.
Kubilius highlighted that within the next decade, approximately 50,000 new satellites are expected to launch, leading to an exponential increase in space activity. This growth is projected to triple the size of the space economy to $1.8 trillion. However, this expansion also brings challenges similar to those faced during past industrial advancements.
One major concern is overcrowding in space due to both satellites and debris. “140 million pieces of space debris” pose risks of collision that could disrupt vital services. To address these issues, Kubilius emphasized the need for “rules of the road in space,” akin to terrestrial traffic regulations established a century ago.
Fragmentation within Europe’s space market was another point of concern. Currently, 12 EU Member States have their own national space laws creating a “patchwork” that hinders competitiveness. The proposed EU Space Act aims to unify these regulations into a single set of rules beneficial for companies across Europe.
“The EU Space Act is the first time ever we regulate space activities in the European Union,” said Kubilius. It seeks to create a single market for space services and data while ensuring safety through measures like reducing space debris and establishing collision avoidance protocols.
The act also addresses security threats from cyber-attacks and deliberate interference with satellite systems. With resilience measures included in its framework, it aims to protect against both physical and cyber threats.
The regulation applies universally within Europe but includes special provisions for smaller companies with supportive measures like technical assistance and funding aimed at easing implementation costs.
Additionally, Kubilius presented a Commission communication titled ‘A vision for European Space Economy,’ which outlines strategies for strengthening industrial capacities in both upstream (launching and satellite services) and downstream (space big-data economy) sectors.
As part of future preparations, there is an emphasis on developing autonomous transportation systems within space—a move deemed essential for transforming frontier exploration into profitable economic activities.
In conclusion, Kubilius stated that “with the Space Act we are bringing law and order” into this new frontier while opening up export markets through mutual recognition within Europe and internationally.
