On 14 February, ESPI joined Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) and ArianeGroup for a high-level side event at the Munich Security Conference 2026, bringing together key institutional and industry voices to discuss how Europe can scale up as a global space power.
Moderated by Juliana Süß (SWP), the session featured ESPI Director, H. Ludwig Moeller, Laurent Jaffart (ESA), and Dr. Jens Franzeck (ArianeGroup). The discussion centred on how Europe can strengthen its industrial base, close strategic capability gaps, and secure autonomous access to space at a time of rapid geopolitical and technological change.
Speakers highlighted the growing convergence of the space and defence sectors, the need for Europe’s digital industry to fully embrace space-based infrastructure, and the importance of political prioritisation to address critical gaps in areas such as SSA, ISR and early warning. The event also underlined the renewed significance of Ariane 6 for European access to space and the necessity of a clear European preference for institutional and defence launches.
A consistent message emerged: Europe needs long-term programmatic visibility, aggregated demand, and stronger international partnerships beyond its traditional frameworks. Raising public and political awareness of space as a strategic domain will also be essential in the years ahead.
