New Ways in European Space Security

Paper number

IAC-08.E3.2.10

Author

Dr. Wolfgang Rathgeber, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), Austria

Year

2008

Abstract

This paper will present the current state and potential future scenarios of the institutional setting for space and security issues in Europe. Security is a paramount objective of political endeavours. Europe tends to consider security in a broad approach, not just limited to its classical military component. Rather, security is pursued using a mix of measures in the military, civilian and environmental domain. A growing number of European political documents and strategies stress the link between security and space activities, most prominently the European Space Policy. In parallel, the European Space Agency (ESA) has started to re-interpret its exclusive mandate for peaceful purposes as comprising non-aggressive military activities. Galileo with its intrinsic dual-use nature and GMES, carrying the notion of security in its name, are examples of security related space activities in Europe.

This creates a basis for a new interaction of bodies and institutions within the European “space and security” area, where a number of actors is involved. These include ESA, the European Union (EU) with its second pillar agencies European Defence Agency (EDA) and European Satellite Centre (EUSC) as well as the respective Member States and other entities. In addition, trans- /non-European stakeholders and international cooperation need to be accounted for.

The paper will describe the present institutional set-up and possible scenarios for the future. These scenarios will include the question how the dissolution of the EU pillar structure as a consequence of the Lisbon treaty could affect the present interplay. As a conceptual framework, a definition of space security will be suggested to establish a common basis of understanding. The paper will draw upon findings of the ESPI project “Space Security”.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E3.2.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E3.2.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.