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Thank you for having me.
The times we live in right now are characterised by big changes and disruption.
Advancements in technology, geopolitical shifts, economic developments. It has all played a part in setting the conditions for the third space age.
We have come a long way since the 1960s where space was reserved primarily for the two super powers.
I believe the coming decades of space science and exploration will change the face of global politics. Which to me makes space one of the most important policy areas right now.
So, the stakes are high and I am very grateful that I get the opportunity to address you. To tell you what I believe are the most important considerations going forward to strengthen and develop the European space sector.
We need a diversified space sector
And I would like to begin with my own little corner of the world.
Denmark launched a new space strategy for research and innovation in 2024. We want to be more ambitious in this area.
Space research, space tech and space-based solutions play a key role for our planet, our societies and our lives.
Navigation, communication, technology, security, health, climate change. It is all affected by space.
This is also why the Danish Government decided it was time to set a strategic direction for Denmark’s involvement in space.
The main goal of the new strategy is to increase the application of Danish space research and innovation.
To find new solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis, strengthen Danish defence, and support the creation of new, innovative companies.
We want to develop our scientific ecosystem within the sector, to deploy national space missions, and to increase Danish influence on the international space scene.
It is also a part of the strategy that we are going to double our voluntary contributions to the European Space Agency, ESA, over the next ten years.
I believe this new strategy will be an important step towards an even stronger Danish space sector.
And we need strength. Not just in Denmark but all over Europe.
For decades, the space sector has been dominated by a few select countries and a few select companies.
This needs to end.
A diversified, innovative and competitive European space sector has to be the main goal when we are to negotiate a new EU space programme and EU space law.
It is vital to European strategic autonomy that we can develop an industry that can compete in the global economy and contribute to European security and defence.
For this to succeed, we need research, development, innovation, competition and a variety of new space companies.
Without compromising on the principle of excellence, the EU space programme should aim to increase the participation of new actors across the EU.
Especially small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.
European security
This is also something to keep in mind when a new EU space law is negotiated.
We need to get better at avoiding both collisions in space and the accumulation of worn-out satellites and other space debris.
A set of collective rules in this area levels the playing field and sets equal conditions for companies across the EU.
But there are important dilemmas and balances to consider.
Firstly, the administrative burden imposed on smaller European companies by further regulation.
This risks putting them at a disadvantage in the competition with their larger competitors both at a European and global level.
Secondly, there is the balance between ensuring a competitive European space sector on equal terms with each other without falling into the trap of protectionism.
We need to carefully consider these dilemmas and find the right balance.
Because it is not only about gaining a competitive edge.
We leave ourselves too vulnerable if we rely on a space sector consisting of a limited number of companies.
The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the general security policy situation have made it abundantly clear that we in Europe need to be able to do more ourselves. Without closing in on ourselves. This also applies to space.
More than ever, we must focus on strengthening our security and defence. We need to secure our critical infrastructure and work towards a greater degree of strategic autonomy.
Thus, the next EU Space Programme needs to be dual use by design.
The programme should remain under civilian control.
But designing and deploying solutions and services strictly on a civilian level is sadly a luxury we can no longer afford.
When we design the next EU Space Programme, it is important that we include the defence sector as end users in the preparation of the programme.
This is in my view the best way to make sure we consider the defence and security needs of our space-based services.
We have a lot of work to do
The geopolitical landscape right now is characterised by conflict and uncertainty.
Space research and innovation plays an absolutely central role in the coming time for the development of critical infrastructure and new technological solutions.
We cannot risk falling behind. At the same time, we have to choose our business partners very carefully.
This is the path ahead. It will be a balancing act between our ambitions, our safety and our principles.
We have quite a lot of work to do.
I am reminded of a quote from the British author Terry Pratchett who said:
“So much universe, and so little time”.
With the prospect of a new EU space law, a new space programme, an industrial strategy for the EU space sector, and ESA's Ministerial Conference – the year 2025 will be a crucial one for space in Europe.
However, I am not worried.
We will work together. And together, we will lay the foundations for the European space sector of the future.
Denmark, as the future Presidency of the Council, will ambitiously take on our share of the responsibility.
There is a lot of universe and limited time, so let us make the most of it.
Thank you.