Space, sovereignty and European security : building European capabilities in an advanced institutional framework

The study aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the role of space-based capabilities in supporting the security and defence policies of the European Union and of its Member States. Moving from the description of the current and future space-based systems developed at the national, intergovernmental and European level, the study tries in first place to point out the contribution of these assets to the security initiatives undertaken in Europe. Second, it describes the roles of the actors and the functioning of the institutional framework through which these capabilities are developed and exploited for Europe's security purposes. Finally, it provides options regarding the development of space capabilities for European security which could be implemented under the current treaties and within the scope of the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the Union.