Mr. Daniel Dulca, PABSEC Deputy Secretary General, participated in the European Space Forum 2022, entitled “Embracing a new era of space in Europe”, which took place in a hybrid format (virtually and in person, in Brussels), on 25-26 October 2022, being organized by the European Space Agency, in partnership with the ASD-EUROSPACE (the Space group in ASD) and GSOA (Global Satellite Operators Associations).

The space sector in Europe today is facing an unprecedented level of challenges and opportunities. It is a rapidly evolving ecosystem, a soaring global competition from within and outside industry, registering major technological shifts and more recently, rising tensions caused by the situation in Ukraine. New commercial and geopolitical realities are challenging the policymakers and the industry to adapt their approach to space in order to protect the European values and maintain Europe’s position as a global space leader.

The event brought together key stakeholders and leaders from across the space and from satellite sectors, members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, of the International Organizations and of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The speakers included among others: Mr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General, European Space Agency; Ms. Evi Papantoniou, Acting Director for Space, European Commission; Mr. André-Hubert Roussel, President, Eurospace; Mr. Massimiliano Salini, MEP, European Parliament; Mr. Angus Lapsley, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, NATO; Mr. Harald Gruber, Head of the Digital Infrastructure Division, European Investment Bank (EIB); Mr. Massimo Comparini, Deputy CEO, Thales Alenia Space; Mr. Xavier Pasco, Director, Foundation for Strategic Research.

The agenda of the event comprised important themes, such as: Space, Defence and European Security in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape; Ensuring European Capabilities in Space – Are We Doomed to Dependence?; Addressing European Space Funding and Investment Gap; Competition vs Protectionism - Striking the Right Balance; Achieving the Goals of the Secure Connectivity Initiative; Space Traffic Management - A European Approach; Harnessing the Power of Space to Address Key EU Political Priorities; Celebrating European Innovation & Sustainability in Space.

The European Space Forum 2022 provided the opportunity for a deep dive into these key themes and  for examining the innovative programmes, the initiatives and policies that are being put forward, so that to enable Europe to embrace the new era of space that is emerging. The speakers and the audience members were encouraged  to speak freely, to challenge each other and to exchange ideas, aiming at bringing a real and tangible contribution to policy thinking in this area, for reaching the common goal of securing Europe’s position, as a major player in this exciting new era of space innovation.