ESPI – Blinded by the Light Strategic Levers to Reclaim Europe’s Industrial Edge in Space

This report focuses on the competitiveness and industrial capacity of the European space sector.

It addresses challenges Europe faces in maintaining and reclaiming its industrial edge in space, covering the entire space value chain from launchers and manufacturing to operations, data, and services. The report highlights the importance of industrial capacity, financial markets, talent, and a skilled workforce for a competitive European space ecosystem. It also emphasizes the critical role of space data and services in the digital economy and European transformation. The need for a growing European internal market to sustain the space industry and reduce dependence on foreign markets is underlined. Risks such as trade wars, foreign takeovers, and brain drain are identified. The report aims to widen political debate and provide independent analysis and recommendations to European decision-makers.