The European Union is preparing its next long-term budget, which will cover the years 2028 to 2034. The current version of this Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) stands at €1.2 trillion.
EU Commissioner Calls for More Space Budget in Next Big Plan
One of the top voices pushing for a shift in spending priorities is Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space. He has strongly argued that more of the EU’s space budget is needed to meet urgent demands.
In an interview with Euronews, Kubilius explained that the current funding levels are not enough. Right now, the EU has €17 billion set aside for space efforts in the 2021–2027 MFF. But just to keep existing systems running, the EU will need to raise the space budget significantly.
“We know the needs, and the needs are much bigger than what we have now,” Kubilius said.
The Commissioner warned that Europe remains dependent on outside countries, especially the United States, for key space services. In recent years, the EU even had to rely on US-based SpaceX rockets to launch its own satellites — a sign that the current space budget has fallen short.
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Kubilius made it clear that unless the EU allocates a larger portion of its next €1.2 trillion plan to the space budget, future development could be at risk.
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One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by Kubilius is Europe’s growing reliance on non-EU countries for critical space-related functions. The Commissioner emphasized that the EU must develop its own systems for satellite launches and intelligence gathering. For this to happen, he said, the space budget needs a major increase.
“We’re building our own capacities, and that will cost,” Kubilius said. “That money should be included in the next MFF as part of a stronger space budget.”
The EU has already launched a flagship initiative — the IRIS² project — with an €11 billion budget. This project is designed to build a secure, multi-orbital satellite system for EU governments and businesses. However, Kubilius warned that more such efforts will be required and must be backed by a robust space budget.
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If the space budget remains limited, the EU may struggle to catch up with global competitors. Kubilius pointed to recent data showing that the European space industry has suffered from supply chain issues, falling profits, and a loss of market leadership in launch services and satellite manufacturing.
He stressed that a weak space budget means continued dependence on foreign components, like semiconductors and detectors, making Europe vulnerable during global disruptions.
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In response to these growing concerns, the EU has taken some major policy steps. One of the biggest developments is the EU Space Act, which aims to create a unified market for space services and data across the Union. This could help reduce bureaucracy, encourage innovation, and support companies working in the space sector.
Kubilius also unveiled a detailed roadmap to strengthen the EU’s role in space. His plan includes continuing flagship programs, launching an industrial strategy, boosting innovation, and ensuring independent access to space. But every part of this roadmap depends on one thing: an increased space budget.
He has repeatedly stated that the current space budget cannot support all of these goals. The new budget must reflect the growing role space plays in communication, defence, and technology.
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The European Commission is expected to present the first part of its post-2027 budget proposal on 16 July. This is when the negotiations over funding will begin, and Kubilius hopes space will be one of the top priorities. He has warned that if the space budget is not increased now, the consequences could be serious by 2035.
As EU leaders begin discussions on where to spend the next €1.2 trillion, Kubilius continues to make one thing clear: Europe needs a stronger space budget to stay in the game.
