With the ambition to support a more coherent and effective European approach to space governance – and ultimately to help shaping – the governance models of tomorrow, ESPI is releasing a free foundational resource for policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, students, and new entrants to the field.
Our new Field Guide on European Space Governance:
- reflects ESPI’s commitment to advancing the understanding of Europe’s space governance landscape and fostering informed dialogue.
- is updated through January 2026 in the current available version, with specific references indicated throughout the document.
- will be updated biannually, while ad hoc factsheets on specific Member States will be integrated in future editions.
Read below a few selected insights:
1. European space governance architecture
The governance of Europe’s space sector is anchored in what is commonly referred to as the Governance Triangle, comprising the European Union (EU), the European Space Agency (ESA), and individual European states (for the scope of this report, including ESA & EU Member States).
Together, these actors define Europe’s strategic orientation in space, each contributing distinct competencies and roles.
2. European Public Space Expenditure
Space budgets in Europe are intertwined with a variety of budget transfers (delegations, contributions) between different national, intergovernmental and supranational actors.
ESPI estimates the European space budget, understood here as the sum of ESA and EU Member States budgets (excluding Canada), was around €15.4B in 2024.
3. Interaction of EU bodies related to space
The EU has progressively moved from a peripheral to an important role in space governance, primarily through strategic and policy consolidation, sustained investment in infrastructure and operations, and institutional partnerships, notably with ESA.
It now plays a key role in defining strategic objectives and managing major space programmes.
The governance of the EU space activities is characterised by a complex institutional landscape, in which various bodies perform distinct yet interdependent roles.
The Way Forward
The coming years will be decisive for the future of European space governance. The implementation of ESA CM25 outcomes, combined with preparations for the CM28 and negotiations on the MFF 2028–2034, will collectively shape the institutional and industrial landscape of Europe’s space sector, while also offering an opportunity to strengthen ESA–EU relations. In parallel, Member States are expanding their national space programmes, signalling a renewed political and strategic commitment to space.
For Europe to remain a leading actor, its space governance must evolve accordingly, towards a system that enables coherent collective action while safeguarding national sovereignty. Europe will need to:
- strengthen coordination among the EU, ESA, and national actors,
- streamline decision-making processes, and
- secure renewed political commitment at the highest level.
