The Czech Senate has issued an opinion on the proposed regulation establishing the European Union Space Services Agency, concluding that it complies with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. The opinion, submitted on 19 June 2026 to the President of the Council of the European Union, concerns the Proposal for a Regulation on the European Union Space Services Agency, amending Regulation (EU) 2021/696 (document 7998/26 - COM(2026)152 final). The Czech Senate's assessment specifically addresses the application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality, finding the proposed agency compatible with these EU legal principles.
The proposal for the European Union Space Services Agency, published by the European Commission on 23 June 2026, aims to establish a dedicated EU body to manage space services, building on existing structures under the EU Space Programme. The regulation would amend the current framework set by Regulation (EU) 2021/696, which governs the EU Space Programme. The Czech Senate's opinion is part of the subsidiarity check mechanism, where national parliaments review EU legislative proposals to ensure they do not exceed EU competences or impose disproportionate burdens.
The opinion has been forwarded to the Council of the European Union and will be considered in the legislative process. The European Parliament and the Council will now proceed with the ordinary legislative procedure, with the Czech Senate's positive assessment potentially influencing other member states' positions. The proposed agency is expected to centralize space service provision, impacting stakeholders such as EU space agencies, national space authorities, and commercial satellite operators. The regulation aims to enhance efficiency and coordination in EU space activities, but may also lead to increased administrative oversight for existing operators. The next steps include discussions in the Council's working groups and the European Parliament's committee responsible for space policy.