The European Union has declined to support a Russian draft resolution on space science and technology tabled at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Fourth Committee in 2025, arguing that the text duplicates existing UN resolutions, contains unclear language, and falls outside the competence of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The EU delivered its position in a statement on 11 June 2026 at the 69th session of COPUOS in Vienna, where it reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful uses of outer space under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and related UN frameworks.
The EU statement, delivered on behalf of the EU and its member states and aligned with Albania and Ukraine, noted that Russia had tabled and subsequently withdrawn the draft resolution “Space Science and Technology for promoting peace” at the UNGA Fourth Committee in 2025. While recognizing Russia’s efforts, the EU said it is “not in a position to support it at the current stage.” The EU argued that elements of the draft resolution link it more to the work of the Open-ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in Geneva and to the UNGA First Committee agenda, raising questions about why the issue was brought before COPUOS.
The EU further stated that the draft resolution constitutes a duplication, as most issues it covers are already addressed by the annual “omnibus resolution” on the peaceful uses of outer space and several other UNGA resolutions. The EU also noted that the draft contradicts some existing UNGA resolutions and includes unclear language, which could undermine the consistency of COPUOS and UNGA work.
Stakeholder impact
The EU’s rejection signals a diplomatic divergence with Russia over the governance of outer space activities. For COPUOS, the EU’s stance reinforces the committee’s traditional focus on civilian space cooperation and technical matters, resisting attempts to merge it with disarmament discussions. Russia may view the EU’s position as blocking its initiative to reshape the space governance agenda. Other UN member states, particularly those aligned with the EU, may see the rejection as a defense of existing multilateral frameworks against perceived duplication. The space industry and scientific community could benefit from continued clarity in COPUOS’s mandate, avoiding overlap with arms control forums.
Expected follow-up
The EU’s statement does not propose alternative action but signals that it will continue to oppose resolutions that it considers duplicative or outside COPUOS’s competence. The issue may resurface in future UNGA sessions or in the Open-ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space.