Autore: Alberto Cossu – 08/01/2026
The European Space Dimension
LA DIMENSIONE SPAZIALE EUROPEA
Alberto Cossu – Vision & Global Trends
Abstract – This paper analyzes the European space domain at the dawn of 2026, a period marked by profound structural transformation and intensified global competition. Once a predominantly intergovernmental and science-driven endeavor, space has become a congested, contested, and increasingly commercialized strategic domain. Europe finds itself navigating a complex transition: while it retains global leadership in satellite-based services such as navigation and Earth observation, it has recently faced critical vulnerabilities in autonomous access to space, highlighted by the launcher crisis of the early 2020s. The study examines the core pillars of European space policy, including flagship programs like Galileo and Copernicus, the recovery of launch capabilities through Ariane 6 and Vega, and the emergence of the European Space Shield as a cornerstone of continental sovereignty. Particular attention is given to industrial fragmentation, financial constraints in the New Space ecosystem, and strategic dependencies in critical supply chains. The paper argues that Europe’s future as a credible space power will depend not only on technological excellence, but on political cohesion, industrial rationalization, and the ability to align security, commercial competitiveness, and sustainability in an increasingly militarized orbital environment.
Keywords: European space sovereignty; Launcher autonomy and New Space; Space security and resilience
Seguita a leggere, scarica l’Analytical Dossier AD_01_2026 ISSN 2704-6419
Alberto Cossu – Graduated in Political Science (Political Philosophy) and holds a Master’s degree in Business Management. He is an international management consultant and has collaborated with various research institutes and government agencies. Geopolitical analyst for Vision & Global Trends. He contributes to the international politics journal Geopolitica and is an author for Digit-export, the online magazine of the Union of Chambers of Commerce of Lombardy. His main areas of interest include management and technological innovation, geoeconomics, India, Russia, the USA, and the Middle East.