During a keynote address at the Perspectives Spatiales 2025 event in Paris, European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space Andrius Kubilius outlined the challenging position the European space sector finds itself in.
“Commercial sales are down. Exports are down. Profits are down. And this comes at a time when we need space more than ever. For our security. For our survival.”
Commissioner Kubilius identified the continent’s sovereign access to space as vital for Europe’s strategic autonomy. While he acknowledged that introducing Ariane 6 and returning Vega C to flight were “important steps,” he highlighted the need for Europe to accelerate its work on launchers, mastering key technologies including reusability and return capabilities.