Since March 2024, we have maintained an ESPI presence in Brussels to reinforce ESPI’s mission to provide an active forum and increase our role in support of decision-making at the EU level.
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In the recently released policy vision for Europe in space “ESPI2040: Space for Prosperity, Peace and Future Generations”, ESPI put forward an ambition of further strengthening its engagement with its different national and European members and stakeholders.
Since March 2024, ESPI has been developing a presence in Brussels, with the initial support of the Belgian Science Policy Office, and subsequently facilitated by the European Space Agency, two members of ESPI.
Developing a stronger footprint in Brussels allows ESPI to strengthen its influence and actively engage with key stakeholders involved in shaping EU policies and strategies. Such engagement is particularly crucial in the current complex geopolitical environment as Europe lays out the foundations and directions of the next iteration of the EU Space Programme, as well as new strategic documents such as the European Space Industrial Strategy and the EU Space Law.
ESPI looks forward to further strengthening its Brussels presence and engaging with various European partners.
Find below a selection of photos from various events ESPI has hosted, co-hosted, and participated in as part of our Brussels presence:
ESPI Point of Contact in Brussels:
ESPI would like to express its gratitude to its members for their continuous support and invaluable contributions. Please reach out to Bianca Santi to learn more about ESPI activities in Brussels and partnership opportunities.
During 2022/23, we have more than doubled ESPI’s capabilities at our home base in Vienna, with Austria as our host country and with the support of our co-founders FFG and ESA. ESPI's presence in Brussels represents another step forward and marks a significant further evolution of ESPI in Europe and its 20-year history. It responds to the evolving dynamics of the European space ecosystem. It will facilitate the support to our members in Brussels, i.e. BELSPO and the European Commission, and help our engagement with further EU and other stakeholders.
Brussels has become a central hub of space-related decision-making in Europe, combining national, European and transatlantic contexts. This was magnified by Belgium’s presidency in the Council of the EU, further positioning Belgium in the epicentre of important policy debate on the future of space in Europe. As a long-term member of ESPI, BELSPO is thrilled to facilitate ESPI’s European ambition of strengthening its value for Brussels-based stakeholders.
The relationship between ESA and the EU is of crucial importance for the evolution and ambition of the space domain in Europe. In this context, Brussels has emerged as a key centre for the development of space policy and space law in Europe. As a long-standing member of ESPI, ESA is proud to support ESPI’s mission to strengthen its impact among stakeholders based in Brussels and to further facilitate meaningful exchanges within the framework of ESA-EU relations. This collaboration aims to foster greater synergy, promote shared objectives, and drive Europe’s leadership in the global space arena.
