Space for security

Space-based systems are making an increasingly important contribution to the security of Europe, and to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in particular. Europe faces constantly evolving security threats that are now more diverse, less visible and less predictable than in previous decades.

Europe needs to have access to the best affordable capabilities for autonomous political assessment, sound decision-making, prevention policies and the effective conduct of actions. The new threats are dynamic and global; the first line of prevention of and response to crisis situations is often abroad. Space assets provide a significant contribution to confronting these threats through global monitoring, communication and positioning capabilities.

Tackling security-related challenges requires in many cases a mix of civilian and military assets, both on the ground and in space.

Space infrastructures can be put at the service of the European Union's security needs. Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and the Galileo global navigation satellite programme, whilst being civil systems under civil control, may have military users.

By aggregating both space and in-situ data based on observations with global-reach over land, seas and atmosphere, GMES services can make an important contribution to the security needs of the EU and its Member States. Thus, GMES applications will focus further on the security dimension encompassing such aspects as emergency response, global stability and homeland security by contributing to e.g. maritime surveillance and border control up to food security worldwide.

The Galileo global navigation satellite programme will also be of utmost importance for security-related missions, in particular through its Public Regulated Service (PRS). Indeed, this navigation service will be set up for better management of critical transport and emergency services, better law enforcement (police), improved internal security (border control) and safer peace-keeping missions.

As space technologies themselves are often common between civilian and defence applications, it is crucial to improve coordination and ensure coherence between defence and civilian space programmes and initiatives. In response to this need the Structured Dialogue on space and security, bringing together the Secretariat-General of the EU Council and related bodies, the European External Action Service (EEAS), relevant Commission services, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), was set up with the aim of improving coordination between defence and civilian space programmes and to pursue, in particular, synergies in the security area.