The EU is moving to simplify and unify its space policy with a landmark proposal—the EU Space Act aimed at boosting Europe’s competitiveness in the global space economy and establishing a single, streamlined market for space services.

The EU has unveiled a proposed Space Act to replace fragmented national rules with a single market for space services. The bill would introduce one EU-wide launch license, cut red tape for satellites and downstream businesses, and offer support to small and medium-sized firms. Brussels hopes this will raise Europe’s modest share of the global space economy—now just 11 % of public spending and about €1 billion in private investment—so it can better compete with the US and China.

The act also calls for stronger cyber- and radio-frequency protections as tens of thousands of new satellites and vast debris enter orbit. MEP Christophe Grudler welcomed the plan, saying it signals Europe’s intent to rival launch providers such as SpaceX and expand the EU’s broader space ambitions.

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