Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union (EU Space Act)

In process Industrial Policy Proposed Regulation

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Summary

The proposal would establish an EU-wide framework for the safety, resilience (including cybersecurity) and environmental sustainability of space activities, aiming to reduce fragmentation of national space laws and facilitate the internal market for space-based services and data. It would introduce harmonised requirements for authorisation and supervision of certain space activities, alongside common rules on trackability, space-debris mitigation and resilience risk management. It also envisages EU-level tools and coordination mechanisms (e.g., registers and information-sharing arrangements) to support implementation.

Who is affected?

It would affect space operators and other entities conducting space activities under Member State jurisdiction, as well as third-country providers placing space-based services/data on the EU market or providing them in the Union. Member State competent authorities would be responsible for authorisation and enforcement, with EU-level support/coordination roles envisaged for relevant Union bodies (including EUSPA as indicated in the proposal’s accompanying materials).

Scope

The proposal would apply to defined space activities and related space-based services/data offered in the EU internal market, setting harmonised EU requirements on safety, resilience/cybersecurity and environmental sustainability, including for certain third-country providers.

Key Points

Harmonised EU framework to reduce fragmentation of national space laws affecting the internal market for space-based services and data
Common authorisation and supervision requirements for specified space activities, implemented by Member State competent authorities
Trackability and space-debris mitigation obligations to reduce collision risks and limit debris generation
Resilience and cybersecurity risk-management requirements tailored to space infrastructure, intended to coordinate with existing EU cybersecurity rules (including NIS2 where relevant)
Environmental sustainability approach for space activities, including development of common methods (e.g., life-cycle assessment principles) and related reporting elements
EU-level supporting tools and coordination mechanisms (e.g., Union register(s) and information-sharing/alert arrangements) to facilitate implementation

Key Deadlines

28 November 2023 — Public consultation closed
25 June 2025 — Commission proposal published (COM(2025) 335 final)
1 January 2030 — Proposed application date in the draft Regulation

Related Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Who must comply with the EU Space Act?

Space operators and entities conducting space activities under the jurisdiction of EU Member States, as well as third-country providers offering space-based services or data in the EU, must comply. Member State authorities are responsible for authorisation and enforcement.

What is the scope of the EU Space Act?

The Act applies to defined space activities and related space-based services or data offered within the EU internal market. It covers both EU-based and certain third-country providers.

What are the key obligations for space operators under the proposal?

Operators must obtain authorisation, comply with harmonised safety, resilience, and environmental sustainability requirements, implement trackability and debris mitigation measures, and follow risk management protocols, including cybersecurity.

How does the Act address space debris and collision risks?

It introduces common obligations for trackability of space objects and mitigation of space debris, requiring operators to adopt measures that reduce collision risks and limit debris generation.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

While specific penalties are to be determined by Member States, the regulation requires effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for breaches of its provisions.

How does the EU Space Act interact with other EU regulations?

The Act is designed to coordinate with existing EU rules, such as the NIS2 Directive on cybersecurity, ensuring consistency and avoiding regulatory overlap.

What are the practical steps for compliance?

Entities should assess whether their activities fall under the regulation, prepare for authorisation by Member State authorities, implement required safety, resilience, and sustainability measures, and establish reporting and information-sharing processes.

What role do Member States and EU bodies play in implementation?

Member States are responsible for authorisation, supervision, and enforcement, while EU bodies (such as EUSPA) provide support, coordination, and manage EU-level tools like registers and information-sharing mechanisms.

Are there specific timelines for compliance?

As the regulation is still a proposal, detailed timelines will be set during the legislative process and in the final text, including transitional periods for existing operators.

Does the Act cover only EU-based operators?

No, it also applies to certain third-country providers that place space-based services or data on the EU market or provide them within the Union.

Key Terms

Space Operator: An entity responsible for conducting space activities, such as launching, operating, or controlling space objects, under the jurisdiction of an EU Member State.
Authorisation: The formal approval process by which Member State authorities permit entities to conduct specified space activities, subject to compliance with harmonised requirements.
Trackability: The ability to monitor and track space objects to reduce collision risks and support space traffic management.
Space-Debris Mitigation: Measures and obligations aimed at preventing the creation of space debris and minimizing its impact on the space environment.
Resilience Risk Management: Processes and requirements to ensure the robustness of space infrastructure against threats, including cybersecurity risks.
Environmental Sustainability (in Space Activities): Principles and practices aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of space activities, including lifecycle assessments and reporting.
Union Register: An EU-level database or registry for recording information about space activities, operators, and objects, supporting transparency and oversight.
Information-Sharing Arrangement: Mechanisms established at EU level for the exchange of information and alerts related to space safety, resilience, and sustainability.
Member State Competent Authority: The national body designated by an EU Member State to oversee authorisation, supervision, and enforcement of space activities under the regulation.
EUSPA (European Union Agency for the Space Programme): An EU agency envisaged to support coordination, implementation, and management of EU-level tools under the regulation.