International Relations and Space: The European Approach

In 2008, the European Commission (EC) issued a document outlining elements for a European Strategy for International Relations in Space.  The idea was that, thanks to Space, Europe could better respond to global challenges and better assert its role as a global power. Based on a number of broad principles, specific objectives and governance rules, a structured strategy was in the making.

New elements have appeared since then. The Lisbon Treaty entered into force in December 2009, giving a legal personality to the EU and leading to the creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Meanwhile, the enduring economic crisis, the continuing rise of emerging space powers, the multiplication of actors (both private and institutional) or the development of global exploration strategies, constitute challenges for international cooperation and require Europe to take a stance.

Secure World Foundation and the Space Policy Program at Ifri are partnering again this year to organize a conference under the banner "International Relations and Space: the European Approach".

The one-day conference will be held in Brussels on Thursday, September 13th. 

The purpose of this conference is to review Europe's current policy for international relations in Space, to identify future challenges and obstacles, and to determine some strategic orientations for a coherent European Strategy for International Relations in Space. The conference will feature three panels, focusing on the thematic scope, the geographical priorities as well as the actors of Europe's IR strategy in space.

• Read the "International Relations in Space: The European Approach" Full Report Here
• Read the Final Agenda Here
• Read the Biographies of the Expert Speakers Who Participated

The following are presentations from our expert speakers from the conference including:

• Jean-Louis FELLOUS, Committee of Space Research, "The rationale of cooperating in space for Europe: finding a balance between cooperation, competition and autonomy"
• Peter HULSROJ, ESPI, "What it means to be a partner in space?"
• Hans-Joachim KROH, DLR,  "National strategies for Internal Cooperation in space - The case of Germany "
• Jean-Paul MALINGREAU, Joint Research Center, "Space and Global Environmental Stewardship"
• Geraldine NAJA, ESA, "ESA’s international relations activities"
• Rajeswari Pillai RAJAGOPALAN, Observer Research Foundation, "Europe as A Partner: An Indian View"
• Vincent SABATHIER, CSIS, "Space Cooperation for Europe's Global Leadership - What role for Europe in the global exploration strategy?"
• Stefano SCARDA, European Commission, "Space for Africa"
• Maciej STANIAK,  Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Polish Space Policy Imperatives on the Eve of the ESA Accession"
• Kazuto SUZUKI, Princeton University, "Space Security: Is Europe a Credible Diplomatic Actor?"
• Christophe VENET, Ifri, "International Relations in space: challenges and opportunities for Europe"

For further information, please contact Agnieszka Lukaszczyk (alukaszczyk@swfound.org).