European space industry is ‘vulnerable’, commissioner fears

Thierry Breton decries underfunding of space sector as ministers adopt conclusions on competitiveness

The European space sector is “vulnerable” due to underfunding and a dependence on third parties, the EU’s internal market commissioner has warned.

Thierry Breton (pictured) voiced his fears at a Brussels meeting of EU ministers with responsibility for space on 23 May, at which the Council of the EU member state governments adopted conclusions on “strengthening Europe’s competitiveness through space”. These conclusions aim to integrate the EU’s disparate space sector and enhance its use of space data.