The Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union with the support of the European Commission organises in Graz Styria, Austria on 5-6 November a high-level Space conference. It will address the opportunities and issues regarding the further development of the European Space Policy.

Experts routinely caution governments and operators about the rising threats to space infrastructure security, underlining that space is increasingly congested and contested, which poses an intensifying challenge to safely deploying, operating and exploiting space assets. In this context, the growing socio-economic and strategic importance of the European space infrastructure raises new stakes concerning its protection from harm.

This year ESPI will organise its 12th Autumn Conference on the following topic: “Security in Outer Space: Rising Stakes for Civilian Space Programmes”. Drawing on the findings of a joint research collaboration with George Washington University´s Space Policy Institute, the event will discuss the ongoing reshaping of European and American approaches to Space Security issues. Greater emphasis will be put on the criticality of future short- and long-term policy developments in this area.

Pursuant the well-received publication of the study “India in Space: Between Utility and Geopolitics” in January 2018, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) has initiated a follow-up activity on “The State and Potential of Cooperation between Europe and India in Space Activities”. Europe and India have both pursued space activities in the Interest of creating space-based products and services to benefit their respective societies. 

Pursuant the well-received publication of the study “India in Space: Between Utility and Geopolitics” in January 2018, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) has initiated a follow-up activity on “The State and Potential of Cooperation between Europe and India in Space Activities”. In the context of these new ESPI activities, we are taking advantage of the upcoming Bangalore Space Expo to organise a round table.