The Competitiveness Council on 29 May 2026 debated the European Space Strategy, with Commissioner for Space Thierry Breton presenting the plan to boost the EU's space industry competitiveness and strategic autonomy through investment in satellite constellations and launch capabilities. A key divergence emerged over the governance of the proposed EU Space Law: the EPP group, represented by MEP Christian Ehler, argued for a centralised EU agency to manage space traffic, while the S&D group, via MEP Maria Grapini, favoured a more intergovernmental approach. The Greens-EFA, through MEP Niklas Nienaß, questioned the environmental impact of large satellite constellations. Several member states, including France and Germany, supported increased funding for space research and development, while smaller states like Luxembourg pushed for more inclusive access to space programmes. The Council agreed to continue discussions at technical level, with a view to adopting conclusions by end of 2026.
The debate highlighted trade-offs between efficiency and sovereignty: a centralised agency could streamline regulation and reduce costs for industry but may concentrate power in Brussels, while an intergovernmental model preserves national control but risks fragmentation. Environmental concerns over satellite constellations could lead to stricter sustainability requirements, raising costs for operators but protecting orbital environments. Affected stakeholders include space industry firms (facing regulatory costs and market opportunities), satellite operators (impacted by traffic management rules), research institutions (benefiting from R&D funding), and smaller member states (seeking equitable access to programmes).