A space conference about policy and power. A step towards claiming a leading European role at global stage, beyond statements of ambition to true political will of Europe.
On 28–29 October 2025, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) hosted its 19th Autumn Conference at Vienna City Hall, bringing together over 300 participants . Under the aspirational theme “Europe as a Space Power,” the event explored how Europe can strengthen its position as a global space actor and trusted partner, at a time of growing geopolitical and geoeconomic change.
This year’s conference convened an exceptional range of decision-makers and experts, including members of national parliaments and former ministers, numerous heads of space agencies, and participants from more than 60 countries, about half of whom joined from outside Europe, reflecting the global scope of ESPI’s convening power.
Read the key takeaways here.
Watch the video recordings here.
Speakers addressed Europe’s evolving role in space through three main sessions: Building Power, Building Bridges, and Pillars of Space Power. Together, these discussions examined Europe’s strategic capacity to scale up its ambitions, deepen international partnerships, and leverage space for security, prosperity and future generations.
The full programme and information about the 19th ESPI Autumn Conference can be found here.
The atmosphere at Vienna City Hall was both forward-looking and candid, mirroring the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s space community. The evolution in the tone and narrative of Europe’s policy discourse on space towards strength, security and competitiveness has been remarkably visible at the conference, reflecting ESPI’s key policy recommendations over the recent period under the theme of a “strong Europe as a partner to the World”. From the importance of agility, investment and industrial prowess to the value of international cooperation and leadership, the discussions underscored the need for Europe to move from vision to concrete action.
“Business as usual is no longer an option. Europe must take its future into its own hands, translating a shared vision into concrete action. This conference is an opportunity for stakeholders across the continent – and beyond – to shape Europe’s path forward as a trusted global space partner.”
The sessions showcased Europe’s readiness to engage with partners worldwide, while reaffirming ESPI’s role as a neutral and trusted platform for policy dialogue.
The two days of the Autumn Conference also included extensive complementary programme, including:
- Annual Meeting of the Network of European Space Think-Tanks (NEST), an initiative established by ESPI in 2024 to connect and strengthen thought leadership on space across Europe.
- Announcement of winners of ESPI Essay Competition, giving voice to the representatives of the next generation in Conference programme.
- Parliamentary Cocktail, an informal gathering with representatives of seven national parliaments across Europe, members of the European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC).
- Participant Engagement on the “Space Power Forum”, a pair of interactive pin walls, where participants could provide input on Conference themes even if they were not featured on stage.
- Announcements of new ESPI collaborations, including new bilateral agreements and announcement of new ESPI members.
All of the photos from the event can be found here.
