EU Calls for the Creation of a Joint Space Shield

European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius urged EU countries not to split the “European Space Shield” program into separate national projects.

He made this statement while speaking at the International Space Summit 2026.

At the event, the European Commissioner focused heavily on European space autonomy, particularly developing its own launch capabilities and the secure IRIS² satellite system.

IRIS² is a German project of the European Union aimed at creating its own multi-tiered satellite communications system.

Its goal is to provide the EU with secure, resilient, and independent communications without relying on private or non-European operators.

“Europe must change its attitude toward space. Today, space is no longer just about science, research, or commercial activities. It has become an integral part of our security and defense,” Andrius Kubilius noted.

International Space Summit is an event taking place in Paris on September 9–10, 2026.

The event brought together about 120 foreign delegations, including representatives from governments, space companies, scientific institutions, and the military.

Attendees paid close attention to European strategic autonomy, particularly the development of its own launch capabilities and the secure IRIS² satellite system.

On August 31, Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES signed an agreement with German company OHB worth nearly EUR 1 billion to develop and build satellites for the European IRIS² communications system.

This contract marked the first major order under IRIS² after the program officially entered the implementation phase in early August 2026.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking on September 25, 2025, at the Space Congress of the Federation of German Industries in Berlin, noted that the government will spend 35 billion euros by 2030 on the development of “military space,” including the procurement of new satellites, funding for new developments, and the expansion of ground infrastructure.