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.
Through this document, ESPI is offering a free foundational resource for policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, students, and new entrants to the field.
ESPI aims to support a more coherent and effective European approach to space governance – and ultimately to help shaping – the governance models of tomorrow. In a domain shaped by evolving institutional dynamics, clarity remains limited despite longstanding discussions and incremental progress.
This Field Guide reflects ESPI’s commitment to advancing the understanding of Europe’s space governance landscape and fostering informed dialogue. It is updated primarily through January 2026 in the current available version and will be updated biannually. Ad hoc factsheets on specific Member States will be integrated in future editions.
Looking ahead, 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.
ESPI welcomes proposals and contributions from students, young professionals, policymakers, industrial stakeholders, and the broader space community. For questions or comments, please contact us at office@espi.eu.
