Explore Forum Global's inaugural European Space, Security and Defence Forum

Space-based capabilities now sit at the heart of Europe’s security and defence architecture. A critical backbone of modern military and civilian resilience, space functions both as an operational domain in its own right and as an indispensable enabler of communications, navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and strategic awareness.

Recent geopolitical crises have exposed the scale of Europe’s dependence on these capabilities, while simultaneously revealing the vulnerabilities that accompany them.

From cyberattacks and signal jamming to the weaponisation of orbital infrastructure, the war in Ukraine, for example, has demonstrated, in real time, the strategic importance, and fragility, of the space domain. As space technologies evolve at pace, so too do the risks, threats, and dependencies associated with them.

It is against this backdrop that the inaugural European Space, Security and Defence Forum has been launched.

Taking place at a pivotal moment for Europe, the Forum will bring together senior stakeholders from across policymaking, defence, industry, academia, and advocacy to confront many of the unanswered strategic questions shaping the future of Europe’s security architecture.

Co-located with the 6th Annual European Space Forum, the event will convene representatives from European institutions, Member States, NATO, industry, and international partners to examine the growing integration of space and defence; the scale of investment and industrial coordination required to deliver credible capabilities; and the strategic shifts necessary to secure Europe’s long-term resilience, autonomy, and competitiveness in an increasingly contested environment.

Read on for a more detailed overview of the themes, priorities, and ambitions shaping the inaugural edition of the Forum or visit: www.spacesecurityforum.eu

Following keynotes from leading institutional actors from across Europe and the wider international community, our opening session will explore the evolving nature of defence and its increasingly symbiotic relationship with space.

Panellists will examine the deepening convergence between space and defence across Europe, assess the strategic drivers underpinning this shift, and consider how emerging initiatives can help protect critical infrastructure, strengthen resilience, and respond to evolving threats in an increasingly contested environment.

The discussion will be probing and dynamic throughout, exploring Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in space and security, the key vulnerabilities within Europe’s current space architecture, and the high-profile initiatives now being developed in response. This includes initiatives such as the European Space Shield and ESA’s European Resilience from Space (ERS) programme, alongside wider efforts to strengthen Europe’s long-term operational capabilities and preparedness.

Timo Pesonen, DG DEFIS Director General, delivers the opening keynote address at the European Space Forum 2024.

In both theme and scope, the second session builds on the discussions introduced in the opening exchange. Titled The Next Frontier – Innovation, Interoperability, and Operational Space Defence, Session 2 will explore how Europe can accelerate innovation and interoperability across the space security and defence ecosystem, while simultaneously reducing strategic dependencies and strengthening sovereign capabilities.

Central questions throughout the discussion will examine what is likely to define the next generation of space-enabled security and defence capabilities in Europe, and what role both emerging and existing EU, ESA, and EUSPA programmes — including IRIS², GOVSATCOM, Copernicus, Galileo, and EOGS — should play within this evolving architecture. To this end, this session will follow a keynote intervention from EUSPA’s Executive Director, Rodrigo Da Costa.

Participant at this year's European Space, Security and Defence Forum, Joost Elstak, at a previous edition of the European Space Forum.

Following lunch, we are pleased to welcome James Appathurai, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), who will deliver a keynote address laying the strategic foundations for the session that follows.

Building on this, Session 3, Cybersecurity and Space: Building Resilient Systems Fit for the Digital Age, will examine how Europe is adapting its space systems, infrastructure, and policy frameworks to confront the realities of an increasingly digital and contested environment.

With cyberattacks targeting the space sector growing in both frequency and sophistication, cybersecurity is no longer simply a defensive requirement, but a critical enabler of secure, reliable, and sovereign space operations. Against this backdrop, the afternoon’s first discussion will focus on the evolving threat landscape, the resilience of critical orbital infrastructure, and the role of regulatory and policy frameworks in strengthening European cybersecurity standards across the space ecosystem.

Then Secretary of State, Thomas Dermine, at the 2024 edition of the European Space Forum.

In the penultimate session of the day, panellists will examine how effectively Europe is financing its space, security, and defence ambitions. Discussions will assess the extent to which existing funding mechanisms align with Europe’s strategic priorities, support industrial mobilisation and innovation, and enable the development of credible sovereign capabilities across the continent.

Particular attention will naturally be given to the major instruments and programmes shaping this investment landscape. This includes ESA’s landmark funding commitments, negotiations surrounding the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Investment Bank’s expanding engagement in dual-use and defence-related aerospace projects, and the European Commission’s €150 billion SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument.

Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) delivers a keynote at the European Space Forum.

Concluding the conference, our final session will explore how Europe can better align its space, defence, and industrial strategies to deliver both long-term security and global competitiveness.

The discussion will assess the role of public investment, procurement, and industrial policy in shaping resilient markets and scaling European champions, while also addressing the persistent fragmentation that continues to characterise parts of the European ecosystem. In doing so, panellists will consider how Europe can position itself within an increasingly contested global space economy, balancing openness and international cooperation with the growing need to protect critical technologies, strategic assets, and sovereign capabilities.

MEP Christophe Grudler (right) on stage at a previous European Space Forum.

Naturally, alongside exclusive networking and engagement opportunities, the event will provide multiple occasions to connect with leading figures from across European policymaking, defence, industry, academia, and the wider space ecosystem.

Join us as we explore the growing intersection between European space, security, and defence. Secure your place today, as remaining spaces are limited.

Interested in becoming involved? Please contact sam.ling@forum-europe.com for further information.

For additional information, including confirmed speakers and the latest event agenda, please visit: www.spacesecurityforum.eu