By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
European Space Security & Defence Forum has concluded in Brussels after a
full day of high-level discussions on the growing convergence between space
systems and defence capabilities, and the strategic investments required to
strengthen Europe’s resilience in a contested space environment.
The
forum brought together policymakers, military leadership, financial
institutions and industry stakeholders to examine how Europe can enhance its
autonomy and competitiveness in the global space sector while addressing
emerging security challenges.
A
key address was delivered by General Sean Clancy, Chair of the European Union
Military Committee, who outlined the evolving security dynamics shaping
Europe’s defence posture in space. His remarks highlighted the increasing
importance of integrated capabilities across defence and space domains.
The
final panel session focused on financing, competitiveness and capability
development, exploring how Europe can align its industrial, defence and space
strategies. The discussion was moderated by Lise Erard of Rasmussen Global and
featured contributions from Helder Sousa Silva of the European Parliament,
Nabil B. of the European Investment Fund (EIF), Ville Saarinen of the European
Investment Bank (EIB), and Olivier Lemaitre of ASD-Eurospace.
Speakers
emphasized the need for coordinated investment strategies to ensure Europe
maintains technological leadership while building resilient and competitive
space infrastructure.
The
forum concluded with a keynote address by Colonel Sylvain Debarre, Director at
the NATO Space Centre of Excellence, who underscored the importance of allied
cooperation in securing space assets and maintaining operational advantage in
an increasingly contested domain.
Organisers
noted that the event brought together more than 150 delegates, 23 expert
panellists, five panel sessions and nine keynote speeches, reflecting strong
engagement across Europe’s space and defence ecosystem.
The
event was supported by partners including the European Space Agency (European
Space Agency), GMV, ICEYE, OHB SE, Open Cosmos, Sateliot and the European Cyber
Security Organisation (ECSO), among others.
The
forum reaffirmed growing European focus on integrating space policy with
defence and industrial strategy as the continent seeks to strengthen both its
security posture and global competitiveness in space technologies.
