By Nannette Cazaubon, European News Journal, Paris
“Europe as a space power” is the theme and vision of the 19th autumn conference of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), which will take place on 28-29 October 2025, at Vienna City Hall, Austria.
The autumn conference is one of ESPI’s annual highlights. It offers European and international stakeholders an independent platform to come together and hold informed and in-depth space-related discussions, beyond the headlines. This year, high-level European and international speakers from politics, space agencies and international organisations will discuss how to strengthen Europe’s space ambitions in a context of geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. The conference will examine how to fully harness the potential of its space stakeholders to position the European continent as a leading space power and a reliable global partner.
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The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), founded in 2003, is an independent thinktank for space based in Vienna, Austria. Supported by its 23 member organisations, ESPI’s mandate is to provide independent analyses, proposals and recommendations to European decision-makers and institutions and raise public awareness on strategic space issues. |
Space as a strategic imperative
For ESPI’s director, H. Ludwig Moeller, Europe must take its future into its own hands, as “business as usual is no longer an option”. He called the ESPI autumn conference “an opportunity for stakeholders across the continent – and beyond – to shape Europe’s path forward as a trusted global space partner.”
“Europe must take its future into its own hands.” H. Ludwig Moeller, director of ESPI
This event takes place at a time when profound changes are reshaping global politics, trade, and security, making space a strategic imperative and European cooperation and investment in innovation, talent, and partnerships even more important. It is also a time for important and forward-looking decisions aimed at reshaping EU policies and funding for a more independent and secure Europe.
These include the EU Space Act, a legislative initiative proposed by the European Commission in June 2025, establishing a harmonised framework for space activities across the Union, and the ambitious Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2024 proposed by the Commission in July, which amounts to almost €2tn, including €131bn for defence and space under the European Competitiveness Fund (five times more than the 2021-2027 MFF). Finally, at the 25th Ministerial Council meeting of the European Space Agency (ESA) in late November in Bremen, Germany, key decisions will be taken that will shape the future of Europe’s space ambitions.
Building power and bridges
The conference features three sessions:
Building power – European policymakers and heads of agencies will discuss how Europe can scale up its ambition and harness the full potential of its space sector.
Building bridges – International guests from North America, Asia, Africa and Latin America will discuss Europe’s role as a global partner and address pathways for enhanced cooperation between Europe and other world regions.
Pillars of space power – Experts will discuss Europe’s capability to assert itself in the domains of exploration, security and innovation.
The opening speeches will be delivered by H. Ludwig Moeller and ESA’s general director, Dr Josef Aschbacher. Read our interview with Dr Aschbacher.
The programme and registration are available on the autumn conference website.
