On 15 July 2026, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) debated EU space security and defence, revealing sharp divisions on transatlantic integration, the governance of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and the pace of European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs). While there was broad consensus on the worsening security environment and the need for common procurement, MEPs pulled in different directions on how to achieve strategic autonomy.
On transatlantic relations, Pierre-Romain Thionnet (PfE) argued for European preference, warning against over-reliance on US systems. In contrast, Hans Neuhoff (ESN) cautioned that Europe remains dependent on US technology and should not rush to cut ties. Radmila Shekerinska (NATO) defended the recent Ankara summit as strengthening Europe within NATO, but Salvatore De Meo (EPP) demanded clearer spending commitments from allies, and Sven Mikser (S&D) flagged tensions over Greenland and Iran as complicating EU-NATO cooperation.
Space security threats drew broad attention. Pekka Toveri (EPP) and Mikser raised Russian anti-satellite capabilities. EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa cited Galileo anti-spoofing measures and Frontex testing as ongoing responses. Villy Søvndal (Greens/EFA) questioned Europe's ability to replace Starlink in a crisis; da Costa pointed to the Iris² constellation and GOVSATCOM as emerging alternatives.
On EDPCIs, Tomasz Husak of DG DEFIS presented them as strategic projects to reduce dependencies. However, Christophe Grudler (Renew) questioned whether small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could participate effectively, and Toveri criticised the slow timelines. Governance of EUSPA also proved contentious: Thionnet worried about a power shift toward the European Commission, while Alexandr Vondra (ECR) raised unresolved headquarters issues.
Despite these divergences, MEPs agreed on the need for common procurement, support for Ukraine, and treating space as a critical enabler. Next steps include further SEDE discussions and legislative work on EUSPA's framework. The debate highlighted trade-offs between accelerating EU autonomy and maintaining transatlantic ties, with defence industries and SMEs facing potential impacts from procurement rules and EDPCI timelines.